Foundations of Redemptive History Part 2 - Week 4

Bible Text to Study

Genesis 16

Study Questions

1. What problem is driving Sarai when she makes the suggestion to Abram? Flesh out what’s going on here. (16:1-2)

2. What is Abram’s response to Sarai? In what ways does this reflect some of what we saw with Adam and his wife, Eve?

3. Why would Abram agree to Sarai’s idea? Was he in a place of belief or unbelief? Explain.

4. How does Hagar’s attitude change after Ishmael is conceived? What about Sarai’s attitude? What’s causing these attitude shifts?

5. Why would the angel of the LORD come to Hagar and comfort her? What promises are extended to her offspring? Why do you think God did this?

6. Where is Hagar from? Where was Hagar headed after being thrown out? Where does God redirect her and why?

7. What was the meaning of the name “Ishmael” and what does it tell us about God in this story?

8. How does this chapter move the covenant story forward, even through human failure?