Genesis 16:1-3 Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.… I. THIS MAY BE THE TEMPTATION OF THOSE WHO YET HAVE FAITH IN GOD. II. SUCH A COURSE APPEARS TO HAVE A RATIONAL WARRANT. 1. There was no human hope that the promise would be accomplished in that form in which they first understood it. 2. They were conforming to the common custom of the country. 3. The end they sought was worthy in itself. III. ALL ATTEMPTS TO BE BEFOREHAND WITH PROVIDENCE IMPLY AN INFIRMITY OF FAITH. 1. They are signs of impatience. 2. It is not our duty to aid God in the accomplishment of His promises. 3. Religion hereby degenerates into fanaticism. 4. Such an interference with the means by which God accomplishes His purpose shows a want of confidence in His power. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. |
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