History – Genesis 16-19
Today, we continue our look at the life of Abraham.
Bible Passage: Genesis 16-19
First, Sarah gave Hagar to be Abraham’s concubine so that Abraham could have a son. But the son that was to be born, Ishmael, was not the promised son from God.
Then God once again renewed His covenant with Abraham (changed his name) and established the sign of circumcision.
Then it was Sarah’s turn to have her name changed. But not without a reason, for she was to bear the promised son.
We continue to witness the depth of Abraham’s faithful character. He welcomes total strangers (see how many times he ran at 99 years old to serve someone whom he has not met before) and once again God re-iterates that Abraham WILL have a son through Sarah.
Sarah laughed.
We marvel at how God chose to reveal to Abraham the impending judgement of Sodom Gomorrah am astonished even further when Abraham starts negotiating with God to spare the cities.
Very quickly, judgement came upon Sodom and Gomorrah but because ‘God remembered Abraham’ (Gen 19:29) – Lot was spared.
God Remembered Abraham
Isn’t that amazing?
One Comment
Yap Hai Yan
In 16:9, I notice a small but important point. Although the Angel of the Lord promised to save Hagar, he still insisted that she “return to your mistress and submit yourself under her hand”. Seems like God demands obedience – Hagar must tolerate Sarai’s harsh treatment – to receive the promise of many descendants in later years (i.e. faith).