Topical Bible: Women: Sarah, in Her Jealousy and Malice Toward Hagar

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Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is intricately woven into the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, and she plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's promises. However, her relationship with Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, reveals a complex interplay of human emotions, including jealousy and malice.

Background

Sarah was barren for many years, which was a source of great distress and cultural shame in the ancient Near Eastern context. In Genesis 16, Sarah, seeking to fulfill God's promise of offspring to Abraham, suggests that Abraham take Hagar as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. This was a customary practice of the time for childless couples. Hagar conceives and bears a son, Ishmael, which initially seems to fulfill Sarah's plan.

Jealousy and Malice

The dynamics between Sarah and Hagar shift dramatically after Hagar becomes pregnant. Genesis 16:4-5 states, "And when she saw that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, '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.'"

Sarah's jealousy is evident as she perceives Hagar's attitude as contemptuous. The shift in Hagar's status from maidservant to the mother of Abraham's child creates tension and rivalry. Sarah's response is to blame Abraham for the situation, despite it being her own suggestion. Her plea for divine judgment indicates the depth of her emotional turmoil.

In response to Sarah's complaints, Abraham gives her the authority to deal with Hagar as she sees fit. Genesis 16:6 records, "Your servant is in your hands," Abram said. "Do with her whatever you think best." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her."

Sarah's treatment of Hagar is harsh enough to drive the pregnant maidservant into the wilderness, highlighting the malice that had developed in her heart. This mistreatment reflects the human tendency to react with cruelty when faced with perceived threats to one's status or security.

Resolution and Continued Tension

The angel of the LORD finds Hagar in the wilderness and instructs her to return to Sarah, promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count (Genesis 16:9-10). Hagar obeys, and Ishmael is born. However, the tension between Sarah and Hagar does not dissipate with time.

Years later, after the birth of Isaac, the son promised by God to Sarah and Abraham, the rivalry resurfaces. Genesis 21:9-10 recounts, "But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.'"

Sarah's demand to expel Hagar and Ishmael reflects her ongoing jealousy and desire to protect Isaac's inheritance. Her insistence on their expulsion is a decisive act to eliminate any threat to her son's position as Abraham's heir.

Theological Implications

Sarah's interactions with Hagar serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of taking matters into one's own hands rather than waiting on God's timing. Her jealousy and malice, while humanly understandable, contrast with the divine promise and provision that ultimately define her legacy as the matriarch of Israel.

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Genesis 21:9-11
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born to Abraham, mocking.
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Genesis 21:12-21
And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your female slave; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called.
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Library

Ephesians v. 22-24
... to be with Sarah after the manner of women." (Genesis 18 ... head, lest any one have
broken through her marriage chamber. ... 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 ...
... of every victim; to be disturbed by jealousy at these ... Song of Songs, "O thou fairest
among women," [846] kings ... been able to humble by subduing her to themselves ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Doctrine
... do signify the two covenants; the one named Hagar signifies Mount ... 12:18-20) and both
he and Sarah reproved by ... to him and his, except he restored her again; yea ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm