Genesis 16:5

Then Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me."

Study Bible

Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you!
In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, a wife's inability to bear children was often seen as a personal failure, and surrogate motherhood was a common practice. Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram was in line with these customs. However, Sarai's statement reflects her frustration and sense of betrayal. The phrase "may the wrong done to me be upon you" indicates that Sarai holds Abram responsible for the resulting discord, highlighting the patriarchal structure where the husband was seen as the head of the household and responsible for its harmony.

I delivered my servant into your arms,
This phrase underscores Sarai's active role in the decision to give Hagar to Abram. It reflects the legal and social customs of the time, where a wife could offer her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf. This act was meant to secure an heir and ensure the continuation of the family line. The phrase "into your arms" suggests a transfer of authority and responsibility, as Hagar was still considered Sarai's servant despite bearing Abram's child.

and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt.
Hagar's change in attitude upon becoming pregnant is significant. In the ancient world, fertility was highly valued, and a woman's status could be elevated by bearing children. Hagar's contempt for Sarai likely stems from her newfound status as the mother of Abram's child, which she may have perceived as elevating her above Sarai. This shift in dynamics introduces tension and conflict, illustrating the complexities of surrogate arrangements and the emotional turmoil they can cause.

May the LORD judge between you and me.”
Sarai's appeal to the LORD as judge reflects her faith and reliance on divine justice. In the biblical narrative, invoking God's judgment is a serious matter, indicating that Sarai feels deeply wronged and seeks divine intervention to resolve the conflict. This appeal also underscores the covenant relationship between God and Abram's family, as they look to God for guidance and resolution. The invocation of the LORD's judgment highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of the situation, suggesting that human actions are ultimately accountable to divine standards.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sarai
The wife of Abram, later known as Sarah. She is central to this account as she grapples with the consequences of her decision to give her maidservant Hagar to Abram in hopes of bearing a child.

2. Abram
The husband of Sarai, later known as Abraham. He is caught in the conflict between Sarai and Hagar, highlighting his role as a patriarch and mediator.

3. Hagar
Sarai's Egyptian maidservant who becomes pregnant by Abram. Her pregnancy leads to tension and conflict with Sarai.

4. The LORD
The divine judge whom Sarai invokes to adjudicate the conflict between her and Abram, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of their dispute.

5. The Event
The conflict arises from Sarai's plan to have a child through Hagar, which backfires as Hagar's pregnancy leads to contempt and strife.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Impatience
Sarai's decision to act outside of God's timing led to strife and division. We must learn to wait on God's promises and timing.

The Role of Responsibility
Sarai's blame on Abram highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, rather than shifting blame.

Seeking Divine Justice
Sarai's appeal to the LORD as judge reminds us to seek God's wisdom and justice in resolving conflicts, rather than relying solely on human judgment.

The Impact of Pride and Contempt
Hagar's contempt for Sarai after becoming pregnant serves as a warning against pride and the relational damage it can cause.

The Importance of Communication
The breakdown in communication between Sarai and Abram underscores the need for open and honest dialogue in relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram reflect a lack of faith in God's promise, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands?

2. In what ways does the conflict between Sarai and Hagar illustrate the consequences of not addressing underlying issues in relationships? How can we apply this to our own conflicts?

3. How does Sarai's appeal to the LORD as judge challenge us to involve God in our disputes and seek His guidance in resolving them?

4. What can we learn from Abram's role in this account about the importance of leadership and responsibility within the family?

5. How does the account of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar connect to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness despite human failure, and how can this encourage us in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21:9-10
This passage further explores the tension between Sarah and Hagar, culminating in Sarah's demand to cast out Hagar and her son Ishmael.

Galatians 4:22-31
Paul uses the account of Sarah and Hagar allegorically to contrast the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace, highlighting the spiritual implications of their account.

1 Peter 3:7
This verse speaks to husbands living with their wives in an understanding way, which can be related to Abram's role in managing the conflict with Sarai.