Hagar

Hagar

Egyptian Servant, Mother of Ishmael

Old Testament

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.

Character Traits

ServantSufferingSeen by God

Life Timeline

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

Key Relationships

Abraham
AbrahamFamily

Husband - Hagar bore Abraham's first son.

Sarah
SarahAssociate

Mistress - Hagar served Sarah but their relationship was contentious.

Ishmael
IshmaelFamily

Son - Hagar's son through Abraham.

Key Locations

The Wilderness
The Wilderness

Where God met Hagar twice.

Spiritual Lessons

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.

Key Verses

Genesis 16:1-16Genesis 21:9-21

Frequently Asked Questions

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