More to think about while you read

These notes will add to your study of Genesis 16 - 18.

1. Genesis 16:1 lets us know that Abram and Sarai have been married for many years and are still childless. At this point in history a woman's entire identity was wrapped up in her ability to bear children. So much so that an "Old Assyrian marriage contract" included this instruction:

• "If within two years she has not procured offspring for him, only she may buy a maid-servant and even later on, after she procures somehow an infant for him, she may sell her or whatever she pleases."

What we must remember though is that, while Sarai was following the custom of her time, she was not following the word of her God. The laws of man are never to overrule the laws of God. In fact look up Proverbs 30:21-23 and you will see that God's word says "the earth cannot bear up under a servant who supplants her mistress". God had made a promise to Abram and Sarai, and because of their impatience, much misery occurred.

2. We see God caring for Hagar in 16:10-12 in His prophecy about her child. The name Ishmael means 'God hears' and it would remind Hagar of God's faithfulness. but we also see what comes of Abram and Sarai's disobedience in 16:12. Ishmael and his descendant's would be the cause of strife for the Israelites for the rest of their lives.

3. The Old Testament records many names for God. It is interesting that the only person in the OT who ever attributes a name to God is Hagar. She calls Him 'El Roi' which means 'the God who sees me.'

4. Chapter 17 records the changing of names. Abram, which means 'exalted father' is changed to Abraham which means 'father of many'. In verses 3-5 God tells Abraham that he will be the father of many nations. We often think of Abraham as the father of the Israelites, but the Bible tells us that Abraham is the father of all God's chosen people. This is spoken of in Romans 4:16-17. While Abraham is the patriarch of the Jewish nation, his descendants are all those who belong to Christ. Even in the OT God did not show favoritism toward people based on their nationality. We will see in all of God's laws, provision was made for the 'alien' who wishes to live among the Israelites. By accepting God's word they are brought into Israel. God has never been interested in one people group over another. His kingdom is for people of 'every nation, tribe, people and language' (Revelation 7:9). Sarai's name (the meaning is uncertain) was changed to Sarah which means 'princess'.

5. In Chapter 17 God introduces the covenant of circumcision. This was one of the ways God's chosen people were to set themselves apart as holy unto the Lord. While this act had spiritual significance that was to point toward the circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 2:29) it also provided physical protection for God's people.

6. As you read through chapter 18, note the references to the Lord and the three men. Verse 1 tells us that the Lord appeared to Abraham and verse 2 says that Abraham saw 3 men. In verse 16 as the 3 men are preparing to leave, the Lord speaks. In verse 22 the men left but the Lord remained with Abraham. In chapter 19 we will see that 'the two angels' arrived in Sodom. It is possible that these two angels are two of the three that were with Abraham and that the Lord was the third man. This would mean we are reading of a "Christophany" or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ!