ISHMAEL

Genesis 16:1-16

Key verse 16:2

“…so she said to Abram, ‘The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.’ Abram agreed to what Sarai said.”

1. Read verses 1-3. What problem did Sarai have? (1) What was the cause? (2a)What did she command her husband and what was his response? (2b-3) Why did they choose the solution? Why was it a serious sin against God? (15:4,17-18)

2. Read verses 4-6. What unexpected problem arose to Abram’s family? (4) Whom did Sarai blame? (5) How did their human solution for an heir end up? (6)

3. Read verses 7-9. What did the angel of the Lord say to Hagar and what was her answer? (7-8) Why did God ask such a question? What was his command? (9) Why?

4. Read verses 10-12. What did God promise to Hagar (10)? What does the name “Ishmael” show about God? (11) What kind of person would Ishmael be? (12) What is the spiritual meaning of Ishmael? (Gal 4:22-23,30)

5. Read verses 13-16. What did she name God? (13a) What was her personal experience about God? (13b-14) Think about God who watches over you. When did Abram have a son and what name did he give? (15-16)