Grace Baby, Grace

In Genesis chapters 16-18, Sarai, unable to bear children, gives her maidservant Hagar to Abram to conceive an heir. Hagar becomes pregnant, leading to tensions and her eventual flight. An angel comforts Hagar, instructing her to return and prophesying her son, Ishmael, will father a great nation but will live in conflict with others. Abram, at age 99, receives a divine promise of a son through Sarai, now renamed Sarah. This announcement leads to both amusement and skepticism given their advanced ages. God establishes circumcision as a sign of the covenant. The chapters conclude with a visitation by three mysterious men, reaffirming Sarah's impending pregnancy and foretelling the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness.

Genesis 16-18

Read these Chapters
Chapter 16: Hagar and the Birth of Ishmael

In her barrenness, Sarai suggests Abram father a child through her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to build a family. Once Hagar conceives, however, tensions escalate between her and Sarai, with Hagar despising her mistress. Sarai, feeling wronged, treats Hagar harshly, causing her to flee. By a spring in the desert, the Angel of the Lord encounters Hagar, advising her to return and submit to Sarai. The angel also prophesies about her unborn child, naming him Ishmael, foretelling he will be a wild, free-spirited man, in constant strife with others. Heeding the angel's words, Hagar returns and gives birth to Ishmael when Abram is 86 years old.

Chapter 17: The Covenant of Circumcision and Name Changes

God appears to Abram, reaffirming the covenant, promising to make him exceedingly fruitful, and declaring he will be the father of many nations. As a token of this everlasting covenant and a mark of set-apartness, God instructs Abram to circumcise every male in his household. Additionally, God renames Abram, meaning "exalted father," to Abraham, signifying "father of a multitude." God also renames Sarai, meaning "my princess," to Sarah, signifying "princess for all." Against the backdrop of their old age, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son, to be named Isaac. While Abraham laughs in disbelief, God assures him and clarifies that although Ishmael will indeed father a great nation, the covenant will be established through Isaac.

Chapter 18: Three Visitors and the Fate of Sodom

Three enigmatic visitors approach Abraham's tent. Recognizing their divine nature, he hurriedly offers hospitality. During their meal, they reiterate the promise of a son by Sarah, leading her to laugh in disbelief. The Lord questions Sarah's laughter, reaffirming the birth of Isaac in the following year. As the visitors prepare to leave, God deliberates on whether to disclose the imminent judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave sin. Deciding to inform Abraham, God reveals the cities' impending destruction. Distressed, Abraham intercedes on behalf of the cities, questioning if they would be destroyed if even fifty righteous individuals reside there. Through a series of compassionate negotiations, God agrees not to destroy the cities if even ten righteous people are found.

Genesis 12-15
Summaries
Genesis 19-21