Hagar Egyptian Servant, Mother of Ishmael

Q: Was it wrong for Sarah to give Hagar to Abraham?

Though culturally acceptable in that era, it was not God's plan. God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son, but they tried to fulfill the promise through human means. The resulting conflict (continuing between Isaac and Ishmael's descendants) shows the consequences of running ahead of God.

Old Testament

About Hagar

Hagar was Sarah's Egyptian maidservant who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael. When Sarah treated her harshly, she fled but was visited by an angel who told her to return. Later, she and Ishmael were sent away but God preserved them in the wilderness and promised to make Ishmael a great nation.

Hagar's Character Traits

ServantSufferingSeen by God

Hagar's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Given to Abrahamc. 2080 BC

Sarah gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abraham as a wife.

GEN 16:1-3

Pregnancy & Conflictc. 2080 BC

Hagar becomes pregnant and despises Sarah; Sarah treats her harshly.

GEN 16:4-6

First Wildernessc. 2080 BC

Hagar flees to the wilderness; the angel of the Lord finds her.

GEN 16:7-14

Ishmael's Birthc. 2080 BC

Hagar returns and gives birth to Ishmael.

GEN 16:15-16

Expulsionc. 2066 BC

Sarah demands Hagar and Ishmael be sent away; Abraham reluctantly complies.

GEN 21:9-14

Second Wildernessc. 2066 BC

Hagar despairs in the wilderness; God provides water and promises.

GEN 21:15-21

Hagar's Key Relationships

AbrahamFamily

Husband - Hagar bore Abraham's first son.

SarahAssociate

Mistress - Hagar served Sarah but their relationship was contentious.

IshmaelFamily

Son - Hagar's son through Abraham.

Hagar's Key Locations

The Wilderness

Where God met Hagar twice.

Spiritual Lessons from Hagar

The God Who Sees

Hagar named God 'El Roi'—the God who sees. Alone in the wilderness, a foreign slave woman, she was seen and cared for by God. No one is invisible to God. He sees the oppressed, the outcast, the forgotten.