Hagar

Pronunciation: HAY-gahr

Occurrences: 13

First Reference: Beginnings 27:51

But the Fallen One answered, saying: “Do not despair, neither grieve in your heart, for if you would that Abraham should have a son then give unto him your handmaiden, Hagar. She shall bear Abraham a son whereby God shall keep all his word.

See: Abraham, Ishmael, Sarah

Summary: Hagar was the handmaid of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. In an effort to conspire against the house of Abraham, the Son of the Morning privately conversed with Sarah and tempted her to offer Hagar to Abraham in accordance with custom, and as a means to fulfill God’s promise regarding Abraham and Sarah having a son (B:27:41-54). Fearing she was too old to bear a child and not trusting in the promises of God, Sarah convinced Abraham to have a child with Hagar. With the birth of Ishmael, jealousy filled the heart of Sarah and tensions rose in the tent of Abraham (B:28:2-4). In Ishmael’s thirteenth year, God came to speak with Abraham, reminding him of the promise that he and Sarah would bear a son named Isaac through whom the covenant would be established (B:28:5-28).

Taking counsel from Abiel the angel, Abraham gave to Hagar and Ishmael a portion of his flocks and herds, and sent them on their way. The angel affirmed that Hagar and Ishmael would be blessed by the Lord, but that because of Abraham’s sin, there would be enmity between the house of Ishmael and the house of Isaac (B:28:48-54).

Notes/References:

41. So Abraham told Abiel all that had happened, how that Sarah did give him her handmaiden Hagar, according to the custom of their ways.

42. And she bore a son unto Abraham in his old age. Now seeing that Ishmael was made the son of his loins and seeing that God had blessed Ishmael that he should be the father of nations,

43. Hagar did scorn Sarah. For it was given unto Ishmael to inherit all that Abraham possessed upon the land.

44. Now when Abiel heard these words, he spoke, saying: “Consider, Abraham, and answer truly: Is it good to violate the word of God for the sake of your traditions?

45. Behold, in two things did you sin before God. For God delights in the affections of both husband and wife, that unto each the other they might cleave and therein receive the blessings of God.

46. And again, why did you doubt the promises of God to you? Did he not say that you would be the father of many nations? Why did Sarah tempt you before the Lord of Hosts? Will you be made to fall by the way because of those who doubt?

Beginnings 28:41-46

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