Genesis 16: Hagar and Ishmael: God Hears

Monday, September 1, 2025

by Chinwenmeri Ikechi

Sarai presents Hagar to Abram; an illustration of impatience from the Genesis story.

Genesis 16 tells the story of Hagar and Ishmael. This chapter teaches us about patience, trusting God’s timing, and how God cares for everyone, even when people make mistakes.

Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to have children, and she wanted God’s promise of a son to come true. She gave her servant Hagar to Abram so that she could have a child through her. This was a common custom at the time, but it was not God’s plan.

An angel comforts a pregnant Hagar in the desert, promising her a great nation through her son, Ishmael.

Hagar became pregnant, and this caused trouble in the household. Hagar began to look down on Sarai, and Sarai treated Hagar harshly. Hagar ran away into the wilderness because she felt unhappy and mistreated.

While Hagar was in the desert, an angel of the Lord appeared to her. The angel told Hagar to return and submit to Sarai. The angel also gave Hagar a special promise: her son would have many descendants and become a great nation. The angel told Hagar to name her son Ishmael, which means "God hears," because God had heard her troubles.

Hagar holds baby Ishmael in the desert, representing God's care and promise.

Hagar went back to Abram, and she had a son named Ishmael. Even though Sarai and Abram had not done everything the right way, God still kept His promise to care for Hagar and her son.

Genesis 16 teaches us that we should trust God’s timing and ways, not try to make things happen in our own way. It also teaches that God notices when we are hurting and provides care and hope.

Discussion Questions

1 Why did Sarai give Hagar to Abram?

Sarai had not been able to have children and wanted God's promise of a son to come true. She gave Hagar to Abram so that she could have a child through her.

2 Was this God’s plan for Abram to have a child?

No, this was not God's plan.

3 What happened after Hagar became pregnant?

Hagar began to look down on Sarai, and Sarai treated Hagar harshly, causing trouble in the household.

4 Why did Hagar run away?

Hagar ran away into the wilderness because she felt unhappy and mistreated by Sarai.

5 Who appeared to Hagar in the wilderness?

An angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar in the wilderness.

6 What did the angel tell Hagar to do?

The angel told Hagar to return and submit to Sarai.

7 What promise did the angel give Hagar about her son?

The angel promised Hagar that her son would have many descendants and become a great nation.

8 What does the name Ishmael mean?

The name Ishmael means "God hears."

9 Did Hagar return to Abram and Sarai?

Yes, Hagar returned to Abram.

10 What lesson does Genesis 16 teach us?

Genesis 16 teaches us that we should trust God's timing and ways, not try to make things happen in our own way. It also teaches that God notices when we are hurting and provides care and hope.