Who Suggested That Abram Take Hagar?
The story of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar in Genesis 16 marks a turning point in the unfolding of God’s covenant promises. Abram had already received God’s assurance that he would father a great nation, yet years passed with no child. In this moment of waiting and tension, a significant suggestion was made—one that deeply shaped the lives of all involved.
1. It Was Sarai Who Suggested That Abram Take Hagar
According to Genesis 16:1–2, Sarai was the one who suggested that Abram have a child through her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar.
Sarai said to Abram:
“The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, please, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.”
(Genesis 16:2)
Sarai interpreted her long-term barrenness as an indication that God was delaying or preventing conception. In the cultural context, using a servant as a surrogate was a socially acceptable—though spiritually misguided—solution.
Abram agreed to Sarai’s plan, and Hagar became his concubine.
2. Why Did Sarai Make This Suggestion?
A. Long Years of Waiting
By this point, Abram had lived in Canaan for a decade. Sarai was advanced in age and likely discouraged. The promises seemed far away.
B. Cultural Custom
In the ancient Near East, a barren wife could give her maidservant to her husband as a surrogate. Any child born would legally belong to the wife.
Sarai’s plan thus followed the social norms of the time.
C. Human Attempt to “Help” God’s Promise
Sarai believed God’s promise was true, but she struggled to understand how it would be fulfilled. Her plan represented:
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faith in the promise
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but impatience with God’s timing
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resulting in reliance on human solutions
This common human struggle ultimately created deep consequences.
3. Abram’s Part in the Decision
Though Sarai suggested the plan, the responsibility was shared:
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Abram listened to Sarai’s voice (Genesis 16:2).
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He did not consult God about the decision.
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He acted on human reasoning rather than divine direction.
This parallels Adam listening to Eve in Genesis 3—a subtle echo showing the dangers of acting without seeking God’s will.
4. The Immediate Consequences of the Suggestion
After Hagar conceived:
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Hagar became prideful toward Sarai (Genesis 16:4).
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Sarai felt wronged and blamed Abram (verse 5).
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Abram withdrew, telling Sarai to handle the matter as she wished (verse 6).
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Hagar fled after harsh treatment.
The household descended into conflict—something Scripture reveals as the fruit of not waiting on God.
5. Long-Term Consequences
Hagar’s son, Ishmael, became the father of a great nation (Genesis 17:20), but not the child of promise. Through him arose peoples who often lived in tension with Israel.
Thus, Sarai’s suggestion shaped entire nations and history.
6. Theological Significance
This account highlights several important lessons:
A. God’s promises do not need human schemes.
When God promises something, the means belong to Him.
B. Human shortcuts create pain.
The conflict between Sarai and Hagar, and the future conflicts among their descendants, reflect the cost of self-directed solutions.
C. God still shows grace.
Even though the plan was flawed:
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God cared for Hagar in the wilderness.
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God blessed Ishmael.
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God still kept His promise to Abram and Sarai.
D. Faith includes waiting.
The child of promise—Isaac—would arrive at God’s perfect time, not through human manipulation.
Conclusion
Sarai was the one who suggested that Abram take Hagar as a surrogate in an attempt to obtain the promised heir. Her proposal reflected cultural customs and personal anguish, but also human impatience with divine timing. Abram’s agreement without seeking God’s direction led to emotional, relational, and historical consequences. Yet through it all, God’s faithfulness remained unshaken, demonstrating that His covenant plans triumph even when human decisions fall short.