Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr

This week's study concerns a chapter in Abraham's life that still is causing heartache in that region of the world. It is the story of Hagar and Abram.

Genesis 16

Key Words: "Hagar", "angel of the Lord"

Key Verse: According to verse 13, God sees us and cares about us.

Purpose Statement: This chapter chronicles man's attempts in the flesh to fulfill the promises of God. The result - failure.

Outline: Abram and Hagar: A Story of Disobedience

I. Sarai's plan and Abram's response (vs. 1-4)
II. Sarai's treatment of Hagar (vs. 5-6) [Note: Hagar went from the loving arms of Abram to the vengeful hands of Sarai]
III. God's promise to Hagar (vs. 7-12)
IV. Hagar's response (vs. 13-14)
V. Birth of Ishmael (vs. 15-16)

Thoughts to Ponder: Oh the troubles we fall into when we try to help God do His work. Yes, Abram believed God, but I am not certain Sarai did. She grew impatient and she began to understand that the sands of her biological clock had run out. She was never going to bear children. So she persuaded Abram to initiate plan B. This was not God's way and the world has paid the price for this wrongful act ever since. God does perform His word in our lives. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, give us patience to wait for You and to wait for You to act. Help us to learn the lessons from the story of Hagar. Forgive us for the many "Ishmaels" we create in our attempt to hasten Your will.

Study Notes: According to verse 3, it had been ten years since God had made His promise to Abram concerning his descendants. Abram was now 85 and Sarai was 75. I certainly can understand Sarai's rationale behind her plans. She did believe God's promise concerning children, she was just impatient.

I wonder what went through Hagar's mind when she was told that her son would be a wild one, antagonistic toward everyone. I am sure that there were times when her heart often was broken as she, too, paid for Abram's lapse of faith.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: When you stop having dreams and ideals - well, you might as well stop altogether. (Marian Anderson)

Genesis 15 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 17