Genesis 16-17
The story of Sarai and Hagar is a powerful narrative that delves into themes of desperation, power dynamics, jealousy, exploitation, and divine intervention. Sarai’s longing for a child leads to a series of events that test the boundaries of loyalty, empathy, and resilience, ultimately highlighting the need for solidarity and compassion among women. [I recommend reading Job 5-6 after this post:)]
Summary
Sarai, Abram’s wife, was so desperate to have a child that she suggested to Abram to sleep with her servant girl, Hagar. Abram had relations with Hagar, and Hagar ultimately became pregnant. Sarai felt as though Hagar was treating her badly, and Sarai became upset with Abram. Abram reminded Sarai that she is Hagar’s mistress; therefore, she should remind Hagar of her position. Sarai was hard on Hagar, and Hagar ran away. An angel of the Lord found Hagar and told her to return. She felt seen by God. The angel promised Hagar many descendants and told her to name her son Ishmael. Ishmael will be unruly, and everyone will be against him. Hagar returned and delivered Ishmael when Abram was 86 years old.
God informed Abram that he will be a father of many nations. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Abraham and God made an agreement that Abraham will have many descendants and nations, and God will be their God. As a sign of this agreement, every male must be circumcised. Whenever a boy is 8 days old, they will be circumcised. Any man not circumcised will have broken this agreement.
Sarai’s name was also changed to Sarah. She will be the mother of many nations. God promised her a son, and Abraham laughed because Sarah was 90 years old, and he was 100 years old. But God was serious and stated that their son’s name would be Isaac. God blessed Ishmael and told Abraham that Ishmael will also have many descendants and be the father of 12 great leaders. When God finished, Abraham gathered all the males and circumcised every one of them.
Sidebar
Can you imagine a woman suggesting her husband sleep with a younger woman so they could impregnate her and take her baby? Not today! Well, at least not without following appropriate surrogacy laws.
Sarai and Hagar’s relationship in this passage is complex and strained. Sarai’s desperation to have a child leads her to suggest that Abram have relations with Hagar, her servant. Most women are not ok with their husbands sleeping with another woman. Are we surprised that Abram obliges (insert grimace emoji)?
This decision creates a power imbalance and tension between the two women. Once Hagar becomes pregnant, Sarai feels mistreated by her, which exacerbates the conflict. Sarai is probably feeling all kinds of insecurity with her age and inability to have a child. Sarai’s frustration with the situation leads her to be harsh with Hagar, causing Hagar to run away. And why wouldn’t she? Hagar is told to sleep with her old boss so that her mistress can have her child.
The relationship between these two women is marked by power dynamics, jealousy, and exploitation. Women need to be better in how we treat each other. Instead of taking things into her own hands, Sarai should have accepted God’s will at the time. (Little did she know that she would be having a baby a year later.) Today, we have all kinds of wonderful scientific advancements or legal avenues to have babies and protect all women involved.
I can’t say what Hagar should have done because she was the one with little power initially. Luckily today, we have laws and the Me Too movement that have helped women stand up for themselves in this type of power imbalance. As women, we should support each other, not use or belittle each other. Rather than competition, we should collaborate and celebrate with each other. Women are capable of so much alone…imagine how much we can accomplish working together.
Intention
Let’s practice the Shine Theory! The idea is that if we help another woman shine, we all shine. Showing support and praising each other will help lift each other up. A strong support system is beneficial in so many ways. Compliment another woman today and reach out to a friend to connect.
