Topical Bible: Malice: Sarah Toward Hagar

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Biblical Context

The account of Sarah and Hagar is found in the Book of Genesis, primarily in chapters 16 and 21. Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham (originally Abram) and was barren for many years. In her desperation to provide an heir for Abraham, Sarah gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a concubine, hoping to build a family through her. This decision, however, led to tension and malice between Sarah and Hagar.

Genesis 16:1-6

In Genesis 16, Sarah's inability to bear children leads her to suggest that Abraham take Hagar as a secondary wife. Hagar conceives, and her attitude toward Sarah changes, leading to conflict. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When she saw that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress" (Genesis 16:4). Sarah's response to this perceived contempt is one of anger and malice. She blames Abraham and says, "May the wrong done to me be upon you. I put my servant into your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me" (Genesis 16:5). Abraham allows Sarah to deal with Hagar as she sees fit, leading Sarah to mistreat Hagar, causing her to flee.

Genesis 21:8-14

The tension between Sarah and Hagar resurfaces after the birth of Isaac, Sarah's son with Abraham. During a feast celebrating Isaac's weaning, Sarah observes Ishmael, Hagar's son, mocking Isaac. This incident reignites Sarah's malice, and she demands that Abraham "Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac" (Genesis 21:10). Despite Abraham's distress over the situation, God instructs him to listen to Sarah, assuring him that Ishmael will also become a nation because he is Abraham's offspring.

Analysis

Sarah's malice toward Hagar is rooted in complex emotions, including jealousy, insecurity, and a desire to protect her son's inheritance. Her initial decision to give Hagar to Abraham was driven by cultural norms and personal desperation, but it ultimately led to unintended consequences. The resulting animosity highlights the human tendency to react with malice when faced with perceived threats to one's status or family.

The narrative also underscores the broader theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the interpersonal conflict and malice, God's promises to both Sarah and Hagar are fulfilled. Isaac becomes the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham is established, while Ishmael is also blessed and becomes the father of a great nation.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Sarah and Hagar serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking matters into one's own hands rather than trusting in God's timing and promises. It also illustrates the destructive nature of malice and the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace. The Apostle Paul later uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar in Galatians 4:21-31 to contrast the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace, further emphasizing the spiritual significance of this historical account.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:10
Why she said to Abraham, Cast out this female slave and her son: for the son of this female slave shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... walked out upon the plain, and looked toward the home ... How tenderly was Sarah regarded
in this scene of ... To show to the universe Satan's lying malice, his loyal ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Book iv. The Earlier Books of this Treatise, Written Some Time Ago ...
... have been confused and texts combined, malice and folly ... and he bowed himself with
his face toward the ground ... said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iv the earlier books.htm

Ephesians v. 22-24
... affection; so also do thou behave thyself toward thy wife. ... at her boldness, "living,"
saith he, "in malice and envy ... Sarah herself bade the patriarch take Hagar. ...
/.../homily xx ephesians v 22-24.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... if, as Faustus says, he wished to get children by Hagar, because he ... as a defense
of our father Abraham against Faustus' impudence and ignorance and malice. 41. ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... A heathenish and prodigious act; for therein he showed, not only his malice against
the ... and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Doctrine
... verse 21) he saith, As for you that desire to be under the law, I will show you
the mystery of Abraham's two sons, which he had by Hagar and Sarah; these two ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm