Hagar: An Extensive Study of People in the Bible

Hagar means reward.

Hagar was an Egyptian slave, a handmaiden of Sarah, whom Sarah gave to her husband Abraham as a wife to bear him a child. Some scholars believe she became Sarah’s concubine when Abraham and Sarah journey to Egypt in Genesis 12. Abraham pretended that Sarah was only his sister and Pharaoh took her as his wife. Pharaoh uncovered the truth because God sent many plagues upon Pharaoh. He cried to Abraham who came clean about Sarah being his wife. Abraham and all he had was exiled. Some believe this is when Hagar is gifted but Biblically it is not written. The Bible does state that Hagar was an Egyptian in Genesis 16. Some Jewish scholars believe Hagar was actually Pharaoh’s daughter, a Princess given to Abraham and Sarah during their departure but this is not Biblical either.

Abraham and Sarah had been promised children by God but both were well into their old age. Sarah decided it is best to have children through Hagar and took matters into her own hands. Abraham agreed and had intercorse with Hager. The resulting conception and child created much animosity between Sarah and Hagar.

Sarah, with Abraham’s permission, began to treat Hagar harshly, prompting her, while pregnant, to flee into the desert. God tells her in Genesis 16:9 to “Return to thy mistress and submit thyself under her hands.” God promised to multiply her seed exceedingly, so much they would be too numerous to count. He directs her to name her son Ishmael, for the Lord had heard her misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, he will live in hosility toward all his brothers. (Genesis 16:8-12.) Her son would become the patriarch of the opposition to the Jewish people. During this desperate time Hager became the first person in the Hebrew Bible who gives God a nam “El  Roi” meaning “God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).

Hager obeys God and returns to Abraham and Sarah. Shortly after her return she gave birth to Ishmael. Abrahem loved the boy and prayed that God would include him in the prophetic blessing. When Sarah gave birth to Isaac, Ishmael was 14 years old. A few years later when he was weaned from his mother, Abraham had a great feast. Ishmael now 16-18 years old, mocked the occasion according to some translations. As was prophesied before, Ishmaal was already “living in hostility toward his brother.” Sarah asked Abraham to cast out Hager and her son. God advised Abraham to listen. Abraham obeyed God’s word and sent Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness with water and bread. Not long after then provisions ran out and the situation became dire. Ishmael was weak and fading so Hagar abandoned him in the shade of a bush to prevent herself from watching her child die. They each cried out in anguish.  God heard their cries and provided a well of water in the desert.

The story of Hager puts a spotlight on God goodness. She was a lowly slave girl yet God worked miracles in her life. The Lord heard and saw her affliction and came to her rescue. Hagar’s story reminds us that God sees and hears us all. He always will provide comfort and take care of our needs. We must trust God word and plan for us.

That concludes the wonderful story of Hagar. I hope all my readers enjoy my in-depth study of people of the Bible. Thank you for reading and God bless!