Why did Sarai give Hagar to Abram as a wife?

The story of Sarai (later known as Sarah), Abram (later Abraham), and Hagar is one of the most complex and poignant narratives in the Old Testament. It is found in Genesis 16 and is rich with themes of faith, human frailty, and the mysterious workings of God's promises. To fully understand why Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as a wife, we must delve into the cultural, theological, and emotional contexts of the story.

At the outset, it is crucial to recognize the cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where this story is set. In those times, a woman's worth was often measured by her ability to bear children. This was not merely a matter of personal fulfillment but of social status and economic security. Children were seen as a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5), and a barren woman faced not just personal disappointment but societal stigma and shame.

Sarai, despite God's promises to Abram that he would have numerous descendants (Genesis 12:2-3; 15:5), remained childless. This barrenness was a source of deep anguish for her, as it contradicted the divine promise and placed her in a precarious social position. The tension between God's promise and Sarai's reality created a crisis of faith and identity.

In Genesis 16:1-2, we read:

"Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said."

Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram as a wife was influenced by several factors. First, it was a culturally accepted practice. In the ancient Near East, if a wife was barren, she could give her maidservant to her husband as a surrogate. The children born from this union would be considered the offspring of the wife. This practice is documented in various ancient texts, including the Code of Hammurabi and the Nuzi tablets, which reflect similar customs.

Second, Sarai's decision reflects a moment of human frailty and impatience. Despite her faith in God, Sarai struggled with doubt and the pressure of her circumstances. Her statement, "The Lord has kept me from having children," reveals a mixture of resignation and desperation. By suggesting that Abram sleep with Hagar, Sarai was trying to take control of the situation, perhaps believing that this was a way to fulfill God's promise through human means.

This decision, however, was not without consequences. Genesis 16:4-6 recounts the immediate fallout:

"When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.' 'Your slave is in your hands,' Abram said. 'Do with her whatever you think best.' Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her."

The introduction of Hagar into the family dynamic led to tension and conflict. Hagar's pregnancy caused her to look down on Sarai, exacerbating Sarai's sense of inadequacy and leading to mistreatment. This part of the narrative highlights the complexities and unintended consequences of human actions, even those made with seemingly good intentions.

Theologically, this story underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and human agency. God's promise to Abram was clear, but the path to its fulfillment was not straightforward. Sarai and Abram's attempt to "help" God fulfill His promise through Hagar ultimately led to strife. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of taking matters into our own hands rather than waiting on God's timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Furthermore, the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael is also significant in the broader biblical narrative. Despite the circumstances of his birth, God had a plan for Ishmael. In Genesis 16:10-12, the Angel of the Lord speaks to Hagar:

"I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count. You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers."

God's intervention here shows His compassion and care for Hagar and Ishmael, even though Ishmael was not the child of promise. This demonstrates that God's grace extends beyond human failures and that He can bring good out of challenging situations.

In the New Testament, Paul reflects on the story of Sarah and Hagar in Galatians 4:22-31, using it as an allegory to contrast the old covenant of the law (represented by Hagar) with the new covenant of grace (represented by Sarah). This allegorical interpretation adds another layer of meaning to the narrative, showing how God's plan unfolds through history in ways that transcend human understanding.

In summary, Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as a wife due to a combination of cultural practices, personal anguish, and a momentary lapse in faith. Her decision, while understandable, led to significant consequences and serves as a profound lesson about trusting in God's promises and timing. The story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar is a testament to the complexity of human relationships, the challenges of faith, and the overarching sovereignty and grace of God. Through this narrative, we are reminded of the importance of patience, trust, and the assurance that God's plans, though sometimes mysterious, are ultimately for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).