Character Study Of Hagar Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF HAGAR – SARAH’S MAID, MOTHER OF ISHMAEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 16:1-16

"Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees’; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’" (Genesis 16:13)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 21:8-21, Galatians 4:22-26, Psalm 34:17-18

INTRODUCTION:

Hagar was an Egyptian maidservant of Sarah who became the mother of Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. Her story is one of hardship, rejection, and divine intervention. She experienced mistreatment, exile, and despair, but God saw her affliction and provided for her and her son.

Hagar’s life teaches us about God's mercy toward the outcast, the consequences of human impatience, and the assurance that God sees and cares for the rejected.

1. HAGAR’S INTRODUCTION INTO ABRAHAM’S FAMILY

Hagar was introduced into Abraham's household as a servant, but her role changed due to Sarah's impatience.

a) An Egyptian Maid – She was Sarah’s personal maid (Genesis 16:1).

b) Given to Abraham as a Wife – Sarah gave her to Abraham to bear a child (Genesis 16:2-3).

c) A Surrogate Mother – Her pregnancy was a result of human attempts to fulfil God's promise (Genesis 16:4).

d) Tension with Sarah – She despised Sarah after conceiving (Genesis 16:4-5).

e) Biblical Example: Rachel and Leah also had rivalry due to children (Genesis 30:1-8).

2. HAGAR’S FLIGHT INTO THE WILDERNESS

Hagar ran away due to Sarah’s harsh treatment but encountered God.

a) Mistreatment by Sarah – Sarah dealt harshly with her (Genesis 16:6).

b) Hagar’s Escape – She fled into the wilderness (Genesis 16:7).

c) Encounter with the Angel of the Lord – God met her at a spring (Genesis 16:7-9).

d) God’s Command to Return – She was told to submit to Sarah (Genesis 16:9).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah also fled but God met him in the wilderness (1 Kings 19:4-9).

3. GOD’S PROMISE TO HAGAR AND ISHMAEL

God made a prophetic declaration about Ishmael’s future.

a) A Promise of Many Descendants – Ishmael would have a great lineage (Genesis 16:10).

b) Ishmael’s Character Foretold – He would be strong and independent (Genesis 16:12).

c) Hagar’s Response – She recognised God as the One who sees (Genesis 16:13).

d) A Well Named Beer-lahai-roi – Meaning "The God Who Sees Me" (Genesis 16:14).

e) Biblical Example: God also blessed Esau with a great nation (Genesis 36:1-9).

4. HAGAR AND ISHMAEL’S EXPULSION FROM ABRAHAM’S HOUSEHOLD

Sarah’s jealousy led to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away.

a) Isaac’s Birth Changes Everything – Sarah wanted Ishmael removed (Genesis 21:1-3, 9-10).

b) Abraham’s Distress – He was troubled but followed God’s instruction (Genesis 21:11-12).

c) Provision for the Journey – Abraham gave them bread and water (Genesis 21:14).

d) A Journey of Uncertainty – Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness (Genesis 21:14).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt (Exodus 16:1-3).

5. GOD’S INTERVENTION IN HAGAR’S CRISIS

God showed mercy and provided for her and Ishmael in their distress.

a) Running Out of Water – Hagar and Ishmael were on the verge of death (Genesis 21:15).

b) Hagar’s Cry of Despair – She sat at a distance, unable to watch Ishmael die (Genesis 21:16).

c) God Heard Ishmael’s Cry – The Angel of God called to Hagar (Genesis 21:17).

d) A Well of Water Appeared – God opened her eyes to see provision (Genesis 21:19).

e) Biblical Example: God provided for Elijah through a widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16).

6. STRENGTHS OF HAGAR

Hagar demonstrated resilience and faith in difficult circumstances.

a) Survival Instinct – She adapted and endured hardship (Genesis 21:14-15).

b) Recognition of God’s Presence – She acknowledged God as the One who sees (Genesis 16:13).

c) Care for Her Son – She sought Ishmael’s welfare even in suffering (Genesis 21:16).

d) Obedience to Divine Instructions – She returned to Sarah as commanded (Genesis 16:9).

e) Biblical Example: Ruth also demonstrated resilience and trust in God (Ruth 1:16-18).

7. WEAKNESSES OF HAGAR

Hagar’s weaknesses contributed to her difficulties.

a) Pride After Conception – She despised Sarah when she became pregnant (Genesis 16:4).

b) Failure to Seek Peace – She did not handle the conflict with Sarah wisely (Genesis 16:5-6).

c) Running from Problems – Instead of facing her challenges, she fled (Genesis 16:6-7).

d) Lack of Vision – She could not see God’s provision until He opened her eyes (Genesis 21:19).

e) Biblical Example: Jonah also ran from his calling and faced consequences (Jonah 1:3-17).

8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM HAGAR

Hagar’s life teaches valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s care.

a) God Sees and Cares for the Afflicted – He is the God who sees (Psalm 34:17-18).

b) Running from Problems Does Not Solve Them – We must face our challenges with God’s help (James 1:2-4).