The biblical narratives presented in Genesis 16:1-15 and 21:18-21 resemble a stereotypical soap opera, where there are acts of unbelievable treachery, hatred, and lies. Yet underlying the dramatic telling of Sarai and Hagar’s story is a sub-plot, which reveals the intricate workings of the culture, society, and theology of the ancient Hebrews and their neighboring regions. Working from these texts, an understanding of Hagar’s evolving narratives in Genesis 16:1-15 and 21:8-21 raises the following questions: “What is the relationship of creation and communities of faith to God?” “And what are the implications of Hagar’s narrative in communities that have suffered and are broken?”
Preceding the narrative of Hagar in Genesis 16 is the fundamental problem that sets into motion a chain of events. …show more content…
After having run out of food and water, Hagar has no choice, but to set Ishmael down in the shade of bush and cry in grief and agony (Gen. 21:15-16). However, in this moment of vulnerability the Lord is still with Hagar and provides for her and Ishmael (Gen. 21:17-19). From the oppression of Hagar, the Lord turned her into the mother of a new group of people, who would play a role throughout the rest of Scripture.
“What is the relationship of creation and communities of faith to God?” The biblical text reveals that God’s character and how he relates to the created order is nothing short of a complete mystery. In the narrative of Hagar, the Lord acts as a counselor, an apparent adversary, and a means of physical and spiritual sustenance (Gen. 16:2-14, 21:8-12, 15-19). Beyond the characteristics of God is the symbol of Hagar as a pilgrim on the spiritual journey. Through the joys and sorrows it seems that God is involved in the moment, whether or not his actions are comprehensible, living as an essential part of
Preceding the narrative of Hagar in Genesis 16 is the fundamental problem that sets into motion a chain of events. …show more content…
After having run out of food and water, Hagar has no choice, but to set Ishmael down in the shade of bush and cry in grief and agony (Gen. 21:15-16). However, in this moment of vulnerability the Lord is still with Hagar and provides for her and Ishmael (Gen. 21:17-19). From the oppression of Hagar, the Lord turned her into the mother of a new group of people, who would play a role throughout the rest of Scripture.
“What is the relationship of creation and communities of faith to God?” The biblical text reveals that God’s character and how he relates to the created order is nothing short of a complete mystery. In the narrative of Hagar, the Lord acts as a counselor, an apparent adversary, and a means of physical and spiritual sustenance (Gen. 16:2-14, 21:8-12, 15-19). Beyond the characteristics of God is the symbol of Hagar as a pilgrim on the spiritual journey. Through the joys and sorrows it seems that God is involved in the moment, whether or not his actions are comprehensible, living as an essential part of