Genesis 16: Group Study Handout

Overview

Genesis chapter 16 recounts the story of Sarai, Abram's wife, who, frustrated by her inability to bear children, suggests that Abram take her maidservant Hagar as a wife to produce an heir. This reflects the cultural practices of the time and highlights human attempts to fulfill God's promises through their own means. After Hagar conceives, tension arises between her and Sarai, leading Sarai to mistreat Hagar, who then flees into the wilderness.

Key verse

“She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”

Genesis 16:13 (WEB)

Outline

1. Genesis 16:1–2 Sarai's Barrenness and Proposal
2. Genesis 16:3–4 Hagar Conceives and Tension Arises
3. Genesis 16:5–6 Sarai's Complaint and Hagar's Mistreatment
4. Genesis 16:7–9 Hagar Encountering the Angel
5. Genesis 16:10–12 Promise of Many Descendants
6. Genesis 16:13–14 Hagar's Recognition of God
7. Genesis 16:15–16 Ishmael's Birth and Abram's Age

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Sarai say about Yahweh's role in her barrenness?
2. In v6, how does Abram respond to Sarai's treatment of Hagar?
3. Hagar's response in v8: what does her flight from Sarai suggest about her situation?
4. The phrase 'God who sees' in v13: what does this imply about divine awareness and care?
5. When have you felt like Hagar, needing to flee from a difficult situation?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 16: Genesis 21, Genesis 25, Genesis 22.

Before next time: read Genesis 17.