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Book of Genesis - Chapter 16 - Verse 2

16:2
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

Meaning

In this particular verse of the Bible, Sarai, who later becomes Sarah, expresses her deep desire to have children. However, she is unable to bear children and feels that the Lord has prevented her from doing so. In her desperation to have children, Sarai suggests to her husband, Abram, that he should have a child with her servant, Hagar, in order to fulfill God's promise of descendants. Abram listens to Sarai and agrees to her request, ultimately leading to the birth of Ishmael.

This verse reveals the complexities of human emotions, faith, and the lengths people are willing to go to fulfill God's promises. Sarai's actions can be seen as an attempt to take matters into her own hands, rather than trusting in God's timing and plan. It also highlights the importance of patience and waiting for God's timing, rather than resorting to our own solutions. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the consequences of impatience, and the importance of trusting in God's promises to be fulfilled in His own way.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Genesis, Sarai expresses her frustration at her inability to conceive a child, believing that the Lord has prevented her from bearing children. She suggests to her husband Abram that he should have a child with her maid, Hagar, in order to fulfill God's promise of offspring to Abram. Abram, in his obedience to his wife, agrees to her proposal. This passage raises significant theological questions about the relationship between God's promises and human actions. It also highlights the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of trying to fulfill God's will through human effort rather than trust in His timing and provision. The word "restrained" used by Sarai signifies a sense of restriction or limitation, implying that Sarai believed God was actively preventing her from becoming pregnant. This scene foreshadows future conflicts and challenges within their family due to their actions, underscoring the importance of faith in God's promises and patience in waiting for His plans to unfold.

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