GENESIS 16
1 Outline
Genesis 16
A PROBLEM IS SOLVED?
Abraham and Sarah had a
difficulty. Sarah was childless. Abraham
had no heir. Sarah made the mistake of
trying to produce a solution for the difficulty. In reality, she did not solve the dilemma,
but made matters worse. God had promised Abraham an heir in Genesis 15:1-6. So
often we try to take matters into our hands instead of waiting on the promises
of God.
PROPOSAL FROM SARAH -
Vss. 1-3
Sarah proposed that
Abraham have sexual relations with her maid.
Any children born would be in Sarah's name. This was proper in the culture of the day,
but not God's perfect plan. Abraham and
Sarah should have waited on God, and not tried to help him out!
PROBLEM WITH HAGAR -
Vss. 4-6
Hagar despised Sarah.
Vs. 4
Sarah blamed Abraham.
Vs. 5
Abraham gave permission
for Sarah to deal with Hagar, so Sarah mistreated her. Vs. 6
Hagar ran away. Vs. 6
PROMISES FROM GOD - Vss.
7-14
An Angel of the Lord
found Hagar and listened to her problem.
Vss. 7-8
He instructed Sarah to
return to her mistress. Vs. 9
He promised that her
seed would be multiplied and that she would have a son named Ishmael, 'God
hears'.
PRESENTATION TO ABRAHAM
- Vss. 15-16
A son was born. He was
named Ishmael.