iBible | Episode 11: The Birth of Ishmael [RevelationMedia]

Summary

In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram's wife, struggles with infertility and offers her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram to bear children. Hagar conceives and begins to look down on Sarai, leading to tension between the two women. Sarai blames Abram for the situation, prompting Hagar to flee into the desert. There, the angel of the Lord finds Hagar, instructing her to return and promising numerous descendants through her son, Ishmael. Hagar acknowledges God’s presence, naming the well where she encountered Him. The narrative highlights themes of faith, human struggle, and divine intervention.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sarai, Abram's wife, was unable to have children and suggested that Abram have a child with her Egyptian servant, Hagar.
• 😀 Abram agreed to Sarai's proposal, and after ten years in Canaan, Hagar was given to him as a wife.
• 😀 Once Hagar became pregnant, she looked down on Sarai, which led to tension between the two women.
• 😀 Sarai felt wronged and blamed Abram for the contempt she faced from Hagar.
• 😀 Abram told Sarai to handle the situation with Hagar as she saw fit.
• 😀 Sarai treated Hagar harshly, prompting Hagar to flee into the desert.
• 😀 The angel of the Lord found Hagar by a spring in the desert and asked her about her situation.
• 😀 The angel instructed Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, promising to greatly multiply her descendants.
• 😀 Hagar was told she would bear a son named Ishmael, signifying that the Lord had heard her affliction.
• 😀 Hagar acknowledged the Lord's presence and named the well where she encountered Him 'Beer Lahai Roi,' meaning 'The Well of the One Who Sees Me.'

Q & A

What prompted Sarai to give Hagar to Abram?

Sarai was unable to bear children and believed that having a child through her Egyptian servant Hagar would fulfill God's promise of descendants.

How did Hagar's pregnancy affect her relationship with Sarai?

After becoming pregnant, Hagar looked upon Sarai with contempt, which led to tension and conflict between the two women.

What was Sarai's reaction to Hagar's contempt?

Sarai felt outraged and blamed Abram for the situation, expressing that Hagar's disdain was his fault.

What instruction did the angel of the Lord give to Hagar?

The angel instructed Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, promising to greatly increase her descendants.

What does the name 'Ishmael' signify?

'Ishmael' means 'God hears,' reflecting God's attention to Hagar's affliction and her plea for help.

What characteristics were prophesied about Ishmael?

The angel prophesied that Ishmael would be a wild man, living in conflict with others, suggesting a life of struggle and independence.

What significant title did Hagar give to God after her encounter with the angel?

Hagar called God 'the God who sees me,' acknowledging His awareness and care for her situation.

What is the significance of the well named Beer-lahai-roi?

Beer-lahai-roi means 'the well of the Living One who sees me,' symbolizing Hagar's encounter with God's presence and recognition of her plight.

How old was Abram when Ishmael was born?

Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore him a son, Ishmael.

What does this story reveal about the societal norms of the time regarding family and lineage?

The story reflects the cultural practices of surrogate motherhood and the importance of producing heirs, as well as the complexities of relationships formed through these practices.