Study Notes: Genesis 16

In Chapter 15, God promised Abram that he would indeed have a son of his own, and God Himself made a covenant that He would keep His end of the deal. Having done that, God is silent for a little while and Abram continues to walk with the Lord.

Note in v1 that Sarai had a handmaid from Egypt. Remember the whole ordeal at Egypt? That episode in Abram and Sarai’s life continues to have consequences for them, just as our choices to trust God or ourself has consequences for us too.

Abram listened to his wife... sound a bit like Adam and Eve? It's not that women give bad advice, but when we look physically or culturally, we're likely to fall spiritually.

In our worship service, I spoke about cultural compromise. This is because sometimes we take advice or follow the directives of our culture rather than following what God says in the Bible. This is why it was “acceptable” for Abram to sleep with Hagar. Culturally it was an acceptable practice, but compared to the standards of the Bible, it doesn’t add up.

Verse 3's decision to give Hagar to Abram completely overlooks the primary reason God gave us marriage... companionship. This word from the Lord has the power to completely bless your marriage relationship. Don't gloss over it.

In v5 we see Sarai’s response when her plan doesn’t work as she thought it would. As the Bible says, out of the heart, the mouth speaks. Sarai’s true self is now coming out.

In v6 we see Sarai and Hagar each choosing to “do what comes naturally”. Sarai reacts to Hagar’s condescending glances and comments and Hagar flees from the negative situation. This whole chapter has been everyone doing what comes naturally rather than considering what the Lord would want them to do.

But before we give up all hope, consider how the Lord appears to Hagar in His grace and calls her back. This is the first instance in the Bible of “the angel of the Lord” appearing to someone. And He doesn’t appear to one of his people. He doesn’t appear when all is going well. He appears to Hagar at a time of brokeness and need. What a wonderful God who seeks and saves his lonely lost sheep.

Blessings!
Pastor Arlen