Theme

Understanding that God sees the marginalised

Questions

• Having read Hagar’s story, what is your first response to what happened to her?
• Several times God tells Abraham that he would have many decedents (more than the number of stars (Gen 15:5)), and yet Abraham and Sarah still have no children. Is it understandable that Sarah (and Abraham) take matters into their own hands?
• In Genesis 16:1-6, there is a lot of talk about God but neither Abram or Sarai prays to God. How easy is it to ‘spiritualise’ a decision by using God’s name, without actually seeking God?
• Hagar’s position as a slave means that Abraham & Sarah’s use of her is culturally acceptable. But she has no choice in what happens to her, and she is given no voice when she is part of Abraham’s household in either Genesis 16 or 21. How are people used and silenced today? Is it different in the church [remember Hagar is living in the household of the one God will make into his people]?
• The first time we hear Hagar speak is when she is asked the questions by the angel of the Lord (Gen 16:8). Do you think it’s significant that Hagar never speaks when she is with Abraham and Sarah, and that she is invited to speak by God?
• How do you feel about God sending Hagar back to Abraham’s household?
• Although God sends Hagar back to Abraham’s household, he makes promises to her (Gen 16:10-12). How might this give her a new sense of her value?
• Hagar, the nameless slave, is unique as someone who gives God a name, El-roi [the God who sees], (Gen 16:13-14). How does the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 & 21 show God as the ‘one who sees’?
• Once Sarah’s son Isaac is born everything seem ‘on track’, but Abraham and Sarah still have to live (literally) with the consequences of their past, as Hagar and Ishmael are part of the household. In what sense does everyone have to live with the consequences of past decisions (not just personal decisions, but decisions made by other people)?
• As Hagar (and Ishmael) cried in the desert, God reminds Hagar of his promise to her (Gen 21:15-18), he then shows Hagar something she had not previously noticed – a well of water (v.19)?
  • How does God’s response to Hagar remind us that she continues to be seen by God?
  • When you’ve been in despair, have you ever experienced God showing you something you hadn’t previously noticed or been aware of? How did this help you?
• Think of the characters in Hagar’s story. How would you assess Abraham, Sarah and God’s actions towards Hagar? Are their actions understandable or justified?

• How does Hagar’s story help us to understand God’s care for those who are used and abused by people who have power over them?

• If you could ask Hagar one question, what would it be? (what do you think her answer would be?)