Introduction
HAGAR AND ISHMAEL, Genesis 16:1-16.
It is sad to pass from such a sublime elevation as that into which we have seen Abram lifted in the last chapter, to the low moral plain in which he next appears before us. It would seem that the presence and force of the divine revelation and promise begat a burning expectation, which grew impatient at the long delay. This impatience shows itself in Sarai, and prompts her to resort to an unhallowed expedient in order to build her house. The polygamous conduct here recorded is not to be defended or even apologized for. It had its reason and occasion, but, like other immoralities in Abram’s life, is to be condemned as contrary to God’s order. Comp. Genesis 2:24, and Mark 10:2-12. The history of polygamy everywhere shows how the unholy practice breeds mischief, strife, bitterness, and sorrow . In this short chapter all these evils are seen to flow from a single instance of bigamy in one of its mildest forms . Polygamy has ever been practiced among the descendants of Ishmael, and has been to them a moral and physical curse, never more manifest than at the present time .
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