Genesis 16:2

So Sarai said to Abram, "Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

Study Bible

So Sarai said to Abram
This phrase introduces Sarai, later known as Sarah, as the speaker. Sarai's role as Abram's wife is significant in the narrative of Genesis. Her name, meaning "princess" in Hebrew, reflects her status and the promise that she would be the mother of nations. The act of speaking to Abram indicates her influence and the intimate communication within their marriage. Historically, this reflects the patriarchal society where decisions were often made by the male head, yet Sarai's input is crucial, showing her active role in the unfolding of God's promises.

Look now
This phrase is an imperative, drawing Abram's attention to the urgency and importance of what Sarai is about to propose. It reflects a moment of desperation and a plea for Abram to consider her perspective. The Hebrew word "na" often conveys a sense of entreaty or request, highlighting Sarai's emotional state and the gravity of the situation.

the LORD has prevented me from having children
Sarai attributes her barrenness to the LORD, acknowledging His sovereignty over life and fertility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, childbearing was seen as a blessing from God, and barrenness was often viewed as a divine withholding. This statement reflects Sarai's faith in God's control, yet also her struggle with His timing and methods. It sets the stage for the tension between divine promise and human impatience.

Please go to my maidservant
Sarai's suggestion to Abram to go to her maidservant, Hagar, is a culturally contextual solution to her barrenness. In ancient Mesopotamian society, it was customary for a barren wife to offer her maidservant as a surrogate to bear children on her behalf. This practice, though culturally acceptable, introduces complex relational dynamics and foreshadows future conflict. The Hebrew word "amah" for maidservant indicates a bondservant or female slave, highlighting Hagar's lower social status and the power dynamics at play.

perhaps I can build a family by her
The phrase "build a family" uses the Hebrew word "banah," which means to build or establish. Sarai's hope is to establish her lineage through Hagar, reflecting the deep desire for progeny and legacy in the ancient world. This desire is not merely personal but tied to the covenantal promise of descendants. Sarai's plan, while humanly logical, reveals a tension between human initiative and divine promise, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.

And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai
Abram's decision to heed Sarai's voice demonstrates his willingness to consider her counsel, yet it also marks a pivotal moment of human decision-making that diverges from waiting on God's promise. The Hebrew word "shama" for listened implies not just hearing but obeying or acting upon what is heard. This action sets in motion a series of events that have significant theological and relational implications, illustrating the complexities of faith, obedience, and the consequences of human actions in the biblical story.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sarai
The wife of Abram, later known as Sarah. She is struggling with infertility and suggests a culturally acceptable but faith-challenging solution.

2. Abram
The husband of Sarai, later known as Abraham. He is a key patriarch in the Bible, known for his faith, but here he listens to Sarai's plan without seeking God's guidance.

3. Hagar
Sarai's Egyptian maidservant, who becomes a surrogate mother at Sarai's suggestion.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Abram and Sarai, who has promised them descendants.

5. Canaan
The land where Abram and Sarai are dwelling, a place of promise and testing.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Timing
Sarai's decision reflects a lack of trust in God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord and trust His promises.

Cultural Pressures vs. God's Promises
Sarai's suggestion was culturally acceptable but not aligned with God's promise. Christians should discern cultural norms through the lens of Scripture.

The Consequences of Impatience
Abram and Sarai's actions led to long-term family strife. Impatience can lead to decisions that have lasting negative impacts.

The Role of Faith in Relationships
Abram listened to Sarai without seeking God's counsel. Couples should seek God's guidance together in decision-making.

God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure
Despite Abram and Sarai's actions, God remained faithful to His promise, reminding believers of His grace and sovereignty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Sarai's suggestion to Abram reflect her struggle with faith and patience? How can we apply this to our own struggles with waiting on God's promises?

2. In what ways do cultural norms today challenge our faith in God's promises, and how can we respond biblically?

3. What are some potential consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God's timing, as seen in the account of Abram and Sarai?

4. How can couples or families ensure they are seeking God's guidance together in their decision-making processes?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness despite your own impatience or failure. How does this encourage you in your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abram of descendants and blessing, setting the stage for the tension in Genesis 16.

Genesis 21:1-3
The eventual fulfillment of God's promise through the birth of Isaac, highlighting God's faithfulness despite human impatience.

Galatians 4:22-31
Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living by the promise.

Hebrews 11:11-12
Sarah's eventual faith and the fulfillment of God's promise, emphasizing faith in God's timing.

Psalm 37:7-9
Encouragement to wait patiently for the LORD, contrasting with Sarai's impatience.