Genesis 16

Sarai’s Plan (v.1–4):

Sarai, unable to have children, gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram as a wife to bear a child.

Hagar conceives, and tension quickly arises—she looks down on Sarai, and Sarai becomes bitter.

Conflict and Mistreatment (v.5–6):

Sarai blames Abram for the situation.

Abram tells Sarai to do as she pleases with Hagar, leading Sarai to mistreat her, and Hagar runs away.

God Sees Hagar (v.7–12):

The angel of the Lord finds Hagar in the wilderness and speaks kindly to her.

He tells her to return and submit to Sarai, and promises that her son will become a great nation.

The child will be named Ishmael (“God hears”), and he will live in conflict with others but be free and strong.

Hagar’s Response (v.13–16):

Hagar acknowledges God as El Roi — “the God who sees me.”

She returns and gives birth to Ishmael. Abram is 86 years old when Ishmael is born.

Key Themes:
Impatience with God's Timing: Sarai and Abram's decision reflects a lack of trust in God's plan and timing, leading to unintended consequences.

God's Grace to the Outcast: Even when people are mistreated or overlooked (like Hagar), God sees them and cares deeply.

Human Effort vs. Divine Promise: Trying to force God’s plan through human methods causes strife, but God still works within the mess.

God Hears and Sees: The names Ishmael and El Roi emphasize God's personal attention and compassion.