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Sarai said to Abram," See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my handmaid. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

Verse Takeaways

1

When Faith Grows Impatient

Commentators agree that Sarai and Abram's decision stemmed from impatience. After ten years of waiting, they acknowledged God's sovereignty ('the Lord hath restrained me') but chose a human solution based on cultural norms instead of trusting God's timing and power. Scholars like Matthew Henry note that this plan, born from 'fleshly wisdom,' forgot God's omnipotence and ultimately led to distress.

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Book Overview

Genesis

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Genesis 16:1–16

18th Century

Theologian

1. הנר hāgār — Hagar, “flight.” Hejrah, the flight of Muhammad.

7. מלאך mal'ak “messenger, angel.” A dep…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Genesis 16:2

19th Century

Bishop

That I may obtain children by her. —Hebrew, that I may be built by her. The words, ben = a son, bath (o…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Genesis 16:2

16th Century

Theologian

That I may obtain children by her. This is a Hebrew phrase, which signifies to become a mother. Some, however, expound the word as simply …

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John Gill

John Gill

On Genesis 16:2

17th Century

Pastor

And Sarai said to Abram, look now, the Lord has
restrained me from bearing
Or, "has s…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Genesis 16:1–3

17th Century

Minister

Sarai, no longer expecting to have children herself, proposed to Abram that he take another wife, through whom she might have children. This wife w…