Sarai and Hagar- God Hears and Sees Me

Genesis 16: 13-16 NLT

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means ‘well of the Living One who sees me’). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born.

We established in our prior blog that Ishmael means 'God hears me'. Humbled that God would listen to her desperate cry, Hagar submits to Him. This God not only watched her running away, but He saw deep into her soul and addressed every concern that laid heavy on her heart.  Wells supply water, a symbol of life and this well is located between Kadesh which means holy (1) and Bered which means to greet (2). As a runaway, she searched for a way to keep herself and her baby alive and was greeted by the Holy One and the Life Giver.

Think about it
Everytime someone heard this boy’s name, they would remember that God sees and hears them. When Sarai saw Ishmael or heard his name, she would be reminded that God hears and sees her. This would give her incentive not to be abusive but to behave civilly and decently towards Hagar and the boy.

Everytime Abram saw Ishmael and called his name, he would be reminded that God saw his concern for Hagar and the baby. Because of His goodness and compassion, God brought them back safely to camp. Abram listened to the message given to Hagar by the angel and named the baby according to God’s instructions.

Everytime Hagar looked at Ishmael or called his name, she would be reminded that God heard and saw her dilemma. She will always remember how He spared her from certain death and is reassured that He will divinely help her to raise her son.

Everytime Ishmael heard his name, he will be reminded that God hears and sees him. God names him Ishmael so that he will be aware that his heavenly Father is watching over him all the days of his life.

Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael was born. When we deconstruct 86, we grasp the significance of this number. Eighty means mouth, speech, or prayer (3). Six means man or flesh (3).

God’s revelation to Abram
At 86 years old, Abram understands that God sees and hears him and that he should never interfere with God’s plans. His words and prayers (80) will align directly with God’s holy will. He will never again conjure up man made (6) strategies in order to attain a promise. For the next 13 years (13 stands for double portion) Abram never has intercourse with Hagar again or with any other women besides Sarai who later becomes pregnant with Isaac (3). He will wait on God and allow Him to fulfill this promise in His time and in His way.

What is the lesson ?

When we are always conscious of the fact that God hears and sees us, we will be very careful in our daily life decisions. Like Sarai, we will be careful of our thought life and behave respectfully towards others. Like Abram, we need to listen to His word and follow directions. Like Hagar, we will remind ourselves of the times God intervened on our behalf and how He will always answer us in our time of need. Like Ishmael, we must be aware that God, our Heavenly Father, is watching over us all the days of our lives.

Let’s pray:

Father, You hear my thoughts and the words that come out of my mouth. You see everything I do. Give me the grace to be careful of my thought life and to be respectful towards others. Cause me to listen to Your words and follow Your directions. Bring to my remembrance the times You saved my life from destruction. You will always answer me in my time of need. Thank You for watching over me all the days of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6946&t=KJV

2) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1260&t=KJV

3) Dream Encounter Symbols, Barbie Breathitt, Breath of the Spirit Ministries, Inc., www.BreathoftheSpiritMinistries.com

Sarai and Hagar Part 5- Call Me

Genesis 16:11-12 NLT

And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the LORD has heard your cry of distress. This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

In my last blog, Hagar was reinstated as a slave of Sarai and was told to submit to her mistress. God gave her a promise of countless descendants if she followed through.

God prepares Hagar for the future of her son

Now, the angel confirms to Hagar that she is pregnant and her pregnancy will come to full term. Her baby will be a son and his name is ‘God hears’ (1). Imagine, every time Hagar calls this child’s name she will remember that God heard her cry of distress and came to her aid.

It is also important for future reference that Hagar would cry to God for aid concerning her son. He will be a difficult child to raise. The angel first described him as wild, conjuring up images of an uncontrollable stubborn man who easily gives into his passions.

The second descriptor the angel gives to Hagar about her son is ‘untamed as a wild donkey’. Not exactly what you want to hear about your new born baby!  Tamed animals can be tethered and are controlled at the bit. But a wild donkey is handled by no one and follows its own will.

The angel continues to relay that her son will raise his fist of defiance against everyone. Ishmael will be the catalyst and the cause of contention among his own people. This trait laid dormant in Hagar until she became pregnant and it reared its ugly head when she defied her mistress, Sarai. Ishmael will attempt to dominate others by being a rebel and his relatives will respond in kind.

God gives difficult news with a promise

This had to be hard for Hagar to hear. She may have felt victimized for a situation beyond her control, but God prepared her for the task ahead. God sees that she is able and will be a good mother to her son. Hagar’s hands will be full raising this difficult child and yet, his very name will remind her to call upon the God who hears her. Every time she calls on God, He will answer and help her in her time of need.

Bible examples of hard news with a promise

There are chapters in the Bible that are difficult to digest. Examples of people who had a promise but experienced great difficulty attaining those promises are all over the Bible. Think of Joseph who was a slave for 13 years before he became second in command of Egypt. David served Saul 14 years before he became king. Paul preached many years before he witnessed to Caesar. Joseph, David, and Paul diligently served in each position God placed them with a humble attitude. All were all presented with promises that anchored their soul.

God wants us to call on Him

When we hear words that are hard to swallow, we must embrace them and allow ourselves to be prepared physically, spiritually, and emotionally for what lies ahead. In every case, we can always call upon the God who hears us. Call on God and He will answer and give us the information we need to know and the grace to see it through.

Let’s pray:

Father, this is a hard lesson, but I know that it is for my own good. When You give me information that seems more than I can swallow, help me to bear it. Give me Your grace to overcome difficulties that lie ahead. Thank You for preparing me for the future. I will always call on You because You are the One with the answers. In Jesus Name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3458&t=KJV

Sarai and Hagar Part 4- Anchor of Hope

Genesis 16: 7-10 NLT

The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied. The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

Qualification

Before I begin this blog, I want to make a qualification here. People in an abusive situation need to get out of it , immediately!! This lesson is based on the context of Old Testament times.

Where was Hagar?

Hagar was in the desert and there weren’t many springs of water. The angel of the Lord met her at a well. Shur, the city that means ‘wall’ indicating support and protection (1), was probably the closest town located from Abram’s caravan.

Hagar, Sarai’s servant

The angel addressed Hagar as a servant of Sarai and not as Abram’s wife. God did not dispute Abram’s ruling concerning Hagar but in fact, backed it up. The angel not only identified Hagar, but reinforced the position she held in Abram’s and Sarai’s household.

Hagar’s answer to the Angel
The angel asked her two questions. First, he asked Hagar where she came from and secondly, where was she going. Her response was interesting. At first glance, it appeared that she only answered one of the two questions but in fact, she answered both. She didn’t say that she left Abram’s caravan and was now heading towards Shur. Hagar’s response implied that she came from servant hood but now she was heading towards freedom.

The Angel’s warning

Hagar thought she would find help and support in the city of Shur. The angel is telling her that's not so. Hagar was a pregnant runaway slave. She was in an extremely dangerous and vulnerable position with no protection. The angel could have been preventing a far worse fate for her and her baby, even death.

God’s will in this situation

The Angel redirected Hagar’s focus by telling her to return to Sarai. She would have to forgive Sarai and Abram for forcing her into this sensitive position. Then she would have to forgive herself for the chaos, strife, and contention caused by her attitude. And, the most difficult of all, she will have to humble herself and submit Sarai’s authority. But if she did, God will deal with Sarai and Hagar will be safe.

Obedience comes with a great reward

I am sure that Hagar’s heart sunk at the prospect. But, the angel's directions and promise would anchor her soul with hope for a full life. Hagar would have more descendants than she could possibly count.

Hagar's freedom was coming. In thirteen years she would be released from Abram's household and would start a new life. She listened to the angel, and in God's perfect timing she was able to throw off the title of slave and raise and support her son who would be a prince of twelve tribes.

The lesson for today

This is a hard lesson. There will be times in life when God will ask us to do something extraordinarily difficult. Like Hagar, our hearts will sink at the very thought. Forgiveness will always be involved for all the parties concerned including ourselves. But, by humbly submitting to God’s will, obedience will be rewarded with a promise that will anchor your soul.

Hebrews 6:18-19a NLT

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

Let’s pray:

Father, there are times when I want to run away from a situation because it is overwhelming. But, there are times when You give me instructions that are difficult to follow because You are trying to spare me from making an even worse mistake. You are my refuge. Give me the grace to submit to Your will concerning my situation and to obey Your instructions. Your promises anchor my soul. In Jesus Name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com

References:

(1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7793&t=KJV

Sarai and Hagar Part 3- Your Fault!

Genesis 16:5-6 NLT

Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who’s wrong—you or me!” Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.

Sarah’s Perspective

Let’s put ourselves in Sarai shoes. We know that Abram spoke with God on numerous occasions about the son he was to have as an heir. God reassured him with such beautiful correspondence that His promise will certainly come to pass. It would stand to reason that Abram would communicate to Sarai on numerous occasions about “their son”. As his wife, Sarai would be anxious to please her husband, but try as they may, it just wasn’t happening.

Ten long years…
It would also stand to reason that Abram would constantly ask Sarai if she were pregnant yet. Imagine, every month for ten years Abram glances over at Sarai at the breakfast table with hopeful eyes. Sadly, she drops her chin and shakes her head no. Abram’s anxiety and unmet anticipation negatively affects Sarai.

Sarai’s identity
And Sarai’s own identity as a woman, wife, and mother were not being fulfilled. Sarai desperately wanted a child. I am sure many tears were shed each disappointing time her cycle renewed itself. Not only that, but she has reached the age where menopause was setting in or was near completion. Her hope was dwindling and she was stressed out.

Barrenness

Last but not least, she carried the stigma and shame of barrenness. In Sarai’s world, barrenness was a sign of God’s withholding His favor. In her heart, she may have believed that God was displeased with her. She is also concerned that Abram also would be displeased with her as look down upon her as an inadequate wife unable to perform her duty. If that’s not bad enough, the respect and honor that came with her position as first lady of this extensive caravan might be questioned and challenged. Sarai was under a lot of pressure.

Problem solving
So, Sarai resorted to resolving this problem by conforming to the custom of the surrounding nations. She gives Abram her handmaid Hagar (The Other Woman) and plans to have a child through her. Hagar becomes pregnant and flaunts herself in front of Sarai, Abram, and the rest of the caravan as ‘the favored one’ by God and by Abram. The pressure is too much for Sarai to bear. She is incensed and squarely placed the blame of this entire situation on Abram. Sarai decrees that God will show Abram who is right or wrong in this situation! This statement “The Lord will show you who is right or wrong” is found ten more times in the Bible, all having to do with God’s judgement.

Who’s fault is it?

Abram realized that Sarai’s statement is true. He had placed a lot of anxiety and pressure on her. He understood the ‘why’ she came up with this plan.  He agreed to it and didn’t try to stop it. As the head of the household, Abram is responsible for both of them and didn’t argue with her on that point. Abram owned up to Sarai’s actions and his own.

Both Sarai and Abram recognized God as Judge and they knew He would discern righteously concerning their actions. Abram dispenses a judgement accordingly.

First step to restoration

First, Abram restores Sarai back to her rightful place as God’s favored one, as his wife, and as first lady. He does this by demoting Hagar from wife to servant (she is your servant Genesis 16:6). Not is she only merely a servant, but specifically Sarai’s servant. Sarai needed security and Abram delivered.

Second step to restoration

Next, Hagar’s destiny was in Sarai’s hands. By demoting Hagar, Abram gave Sarai permission to do with Hagar as she pleased even though she was pregnant with his child. Sarai was reassured that she meant more to Abram than Hagar and the baby. It was a necessary step in restoring order and dispensing justice between God, himself, and Sarai. Sadly, Sarai was inexcusably harsh with Hagar. Desperate and frightened, Hagar ended up running away to save her life and the life of her unborn child.

What is the lesson here?

Situations happen to a couple throughout their married lives. At times, one partner is more vulnerable than the other. It is the responsibility of the stronger partner to reassure them they are invaluable and loved unconditionally.

Let’s pray:

Father, help me not to be consumed in my mind and emotions by desires that haven’t been fulfilled yet. It only makes me vulnerable. When my spouse is vulnerable, give me the grace to reassure them of their value to me. Help me to remove anything they may be threatened by and restore them to their rightful place in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com

Sarai and Hagar Part 2- The Other Woman

Genesis 16:3-4 NLT

So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.) So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.

What happened?

Hagar kept her sweet and demure demeanor until she became pregnant.

Hagar probably didn’t think she would become pregnant by this old man in the first place. After all, he and Sarai were married forever and didn’t have any kids. In her mind, he was probably impotent.

Sarai was infertile, not Abram

When Hagar was pregnant, she realized that the problem with infertility was Sarai’s, not Abram’s. Finally, she had leverage over Sarai. Hagar could provide Abram with a baby, a son. There was nothing else Abram wanted more in this world. Now, the opportunity had presented itself for her to to have favor with Abram, and perhaps become the preferred wife.

Hagar had the advantage

Hagar must have felt very secure in this situation. After all, she was carrying Abram’s baby, and of course, Sarai and Abram would treat her with kid gloves. Certainly, she would no longer be expected to perform her usual duties. On the contrary, she would be treated like a queen, and be given the best accommodations, the most delicious foods, and have her every whim satisfied.

Hagar’s perspective

Hagar sees herself as the preferred wife. She would become Abram’s trusted confidant and lover, Her son, Abram’s heir, would secure their position and fortune for the rest of their lives.

Hagar considered herself better than Sarai

When Hagar looked at Sarai, an overwhelming sense of superiority arose from deep inside her soul. Her feelings towards Sarai changed from honor to belittling disrespect. The roles have reversed and Hagar felt that she was superior to Sarai and that Sarai was at her mercy.

The Bible does not record the words Hagar spoke to Sarai, but her attitude was contemptuous. Did Hagar harass Sarai about God cursing her with a closed womb? Did she flaunt herself as blessed by God because He opened her womb? Did she want Sarai to feel insignificant, worthless, and undeserving to both Abram and God? The situation was volatile all the way around.

The Other Woman

Hagar was haughty and hateful. Her attitude fits the ‘other woman syndrome’ experienced by mistresses who are involved in an adulterous affair. A boundary encircles a husband, wife, and God in the covenant of marriage that must never be crossed. A three strand cord is difficult to break (Ecclesiastes 4:12). When an extra person is added in the mix, the relationship becomes compromised. Hagar, through no fault of her own, became the fourth strand. Four in Hebrew is the number of man and man made effort. Paul describes this as a covenant of flesh (Galatians 4:22-24). Is Hagar excused from her despicable behavior? Absolutely not! But, neither are Sarai and Abram who executed this man made plan.

What is the lesson?

Do not involve others into a covenant sealed between exclusive parties. How many of us partnered with people who were not Christians in marriage? As best friends? What are the results of such a man made union? We deal with negative attitudes and create turbulent situations of our own making and everyone becomes deeply wounded.

Respect the boundaries of covenant established by God. Do not get anxious when the answer does not manifest itself for a while. Keep your eyes on God and consult with Him. God will keep His promises and give us the desires of our heart in His own timing and in His own way.

Let’s Pray:

Father, in times past, I have become anxious when promises in Your Word have not come to pass. Help me to look to You for answers. I am learning to make covenant according to Your boundaries and with Your blessing. Thank You for knowledge and wisdom. In Jesus Name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com

Sarai and Hagar Part 1- My Way

Genesis 16:1-2 NLT

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal.

Sarai is in her seventies and we must bear in mind that the people of that time lived much longer and aged much slower than today. I believe she has now reached the beginning of menopause and the reality has sunk in that her season for reproduction has passed. She perceived that it was the Lord Who had closed her womb. Grieving over her loss, she considered her circumstances. Was the stigma of not bearing a child too overwhelming? Was her relationship with Abram more and more platonic because he was also losing his ability to perform as a husband? There is no record of Abram having other wives or concubines, which is unusual for that period in history. Abram must have been very much in love with Sarai and she never shared him with another. To ask him to sleep with another woman she must have felt desperate. Was she afraid of losing favor with Abram? Sarai was obviously familiar with the custom of slaves producing children as surrogates for the owner's wives. Was she afraid that Abram’s love for her would diminish if she didn’t give him her blessing and allow another to bear his child? Did she decide to give God a little push? For whatever reason, she decided to resolve this issue in the cultural way.

Sarai uses her expertise

Sarai studied her personal slaves and handpicked a maiden for this task. Hagar was probably one of the women slaves Abram acquired from the pharaoh in Egypt from Genesis 12. So, Sarai has known her for at least 10 years (Genesis 16:3). We can assume that Hagar was familiar with Sarai and Abram’s history and was privy to the fact Sarai was infertile.  

As an expert in animal husbandry, Sarai would observe the women who had the desirable genetic traits to produce good stock. Hagar must have been physically healthy, of childbearing age, intellectually bright, and pleasant in personality. I would think she was subordinate in demeanor, trustworthy, hardworking, and that a good relationship already existed between herself and Sarai. There would be a mutual understanding that Hagar was to only be an incubator to produce children, would be subordinate to Sarai, and not compete with her position as first lady and wife. I imagine Sarai felt secure that Hagar would retain her submissive posture and would not challenge Sarai’s leadership as they shared in the joint responsibility of rearing of the children. 

Why, Sarai? Why?

What must we consider here? Sarai and Abram were given a deep desire to have a son. Sarai’s yearning for a son was as strong as Abram’s because it was instilled into them by God. The first mistake made by Sarai and Abram was taking advantage of someone who was inferior in position and unable to disagree. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Hagar also had an intense desire to have Abram’s child. She was a slave woman, elevated to a subordinate second wife, only to function as a surrogate mother. She was forced into a very sensitive situation with very prominent people. 

Another mistake

The second mistake is pulling someone into the mix that had nothing to do with God’s plan. God’s covenant was with Abram and Sarai as demonstrated in Genesis 12. When God told Abram to move away with his family, he naturally took Sarai, his wife, with him. Also in Genesis 12, God demonstrated His favor and His power by protecting Sarai from the wrath of Pharaoh. In God’s eyes, she was Abram’s covenant wife. When God protected Sarai, Abram was also protected because they were equal in His eyes. 

Why not ask God?

The third mistake is that Sarai didn’t ask God why her womb remained closed after all this time. She didn’t ask Abram to intercede on her behalf. She felt she had waited long enough and took matters into her own hands. She used her skills, knowledge, intellect, rationality, and some emotionally charged insufficient facts as a baseline for her decision making process. It appears that Sarai resorted back to old behavior patterns and pridefully decided to resolve this issue on her own. This did not work in Genesis 12 and it will not work here either.

What are the lessons we can learn from this situation?

First,

God is the One Who instills those desires for His promises concerning us. The people we may reluctantly drag into the situation will not have the same desire or resolve and this will inevitably pose problems.  

Second,

Stay connected and remain close with the people you are in covenant with. Don’t have the attitude you can do it all yourself. Be open and ask them for counsel and to pray with you concerning the fulfillment of your promise. 

Third,

If a promise is unfulfilled, do not be prideful. Ask God why and  if anything needs to be done about it. He will give you the information you will need at the appropriate time.

Genesis 25 tells us about Isaac, Abram and Sarai’s son. He married Rebekah but she was unable to bear children. So Isaac interceded for his wife and she became pregnant with twins. There was such a struggle between the two children in her womb that she asked God what was happening. God answered Rebekah and everything that He told her came to pass. 

Let’s learn our lessons. God imparts His desires for you on your heart. Remain close to those who care about you and are in covenant with you for prayer and wisdom. Ask God questions and expect answers. Those desires will be fulfilled in His time, and in His way.

Let’s pray:

Father, You plant Your desires for me in my heart. Help me to stay connected with those who are in covenant with me. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding and clarify the things I need to know. I ask these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

© 2019 foundedonthebible.com