Topical Bible: Sarah: Also Called Sarai is Sterile; Gives Her Handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham As a Concubine

◄ Sarah: Also Called Sarai is Sterile; Gives Her Handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham As a Concubine ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for her role as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a woman of faith and complexity, navigating the challenges of barrenness and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Name and Identity

Sarai, meaning "my princess," was later renamed Sarah, meaning "princess," by God as a sign of the covenant and the promise that she would be a mother of nations (Genesis 17:15-16). This change signified her elevated status and the pivotal role she would play in the Abrahamic covenant.

Marriage to Abraham

Sarah was married to Abraham, originally Abram, and accompanied him on his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan, as directed by God (Genesis 12:1-5). Her marriage to Abraham is marked by deep companionship and shared faith, as they both trusted in God's promises despite numerous challenges.

Barrenness and Promise

A significant aspect of Sarah's life was her struggle with infertility. For many years, she remained childless, which was a source of personal anguish and societal pressure. Despite this, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, and that Sarah would bear a son (Genesis 15:4-5; Genesis 17:16).

Hagar and Ishmael

In her desperation to fulfill God's promise of offspring, Sarah gave her Egyptian handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham as a concubine, hoping to build a family through her (Genesis 16:1-2). This decision led to the birth of Ishmael. However, it also resulted in tension and conflict within the household, as Hagar's pregnancy caused strife between her and Sarah (Genesis 16:4-6).

Fulfillment of God's Promise

Despite the complications with Hagar, God reaffirmed His promise to Abraham and Sarah. In their old age, Sarah miraculously conceived and bore a son, Isaac, whose name means "he laughs," reflecting both Abraham's and Sarah's initial reactions to the promise of a child in their advanced years (Genesis 21:1-3). Isaac's birth was a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant.

Legacy

Sarah's life is a testament to faith and perseverance. She is honored in the New Testament as a woman of faith, and her account is often cited as an example of God's power to fulfill His promises against all odds (Hebrews 11:11). Her legacy continues through the lineage of Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel, making her a matriarch of the Jewish people and a significant figure in Christian theology.