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When Sarah struggled with infertility, she gave Abraham her servant, Hagar, to be his concubine. She bore him Ishmael and was afterwards expelled to the desert with her son. They were rescued by an angel and became the ancestors of the Ishmaelites.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Survival in the Wilderness
TANAKH
Abraham's practical actions to ensure Hagar's survival in the wilderness highlight the physical and logistical aspects of her expulsion. The book of Genesis recounts Abraham providing Hagar with bread and water and sending her away with her child, leading to her wandering in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.
Reevaluating Hagar
COMMENTARY
Hagar, often seen as a secondary character, is reinterpreted by the rabbis as a figure of elevated behavior and significance. Rabbinic literature, including Bereshit Rabba and Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, offers a nuanced view of Hagar, also known as Ketura, highlighting her positive attributes and cultural context.
Isaac's Compassionate Initiative
COMMENTARY
Isaac's initiative to reunite Hagar with Abraham demonstrates his deep concern for his father's loneliness and his proactive role in family matters. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his essay on the Torah portion 'Chayei Sara,' delves into the significance of Be’er-laḥai-ro’i and its connection to Hagar and Isaac.
Hagar and Ishmael's Spiritual Journey
MUSAR
The successful spiritual upbringing of Ishmael by Abraham and Hagar's humility and chastity offer profound lessons in faith and character. In his 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz delves into the biblical narrative of Hagar and Ishmael, revealing their spiritual significance and virtues.
The Status of Hagar
COMMENTARY
Hagar's status as Sarah's slave, even after being given to Abraham, has significant implications for the ownership of her offspring. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s 18th-century commentary, Or HaChaim, delves into the complex legal and social dynamics between Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham.
Ramban’s Critique of Sarah and Hagar
COMMENTARY
Ramban offers a critical perspective on Sarah Imeinu’s treatment of Hagar, providing a nuanced view of this biblical narrative. Rabbi Chaim Jachter’s modern commentary on the book of Ruth delves into classic interpretations, including Ramban’s critique, and incorporates contemporary questions and insights.
Abraham's Love and Reunion
MIDRASH
Abraham's relationship with Hagar and Ishmael did not end with their departure, but continued with love, care, and even remarriage. The midrashic text Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer offers a deeper look into the lives of biblical figures, providing additional narratives and interpretations.
God Comforts Hagar
COMMENTARY
God's intervention and protection of Ishmael demonstrate His compassion and responsiveness to the cries and needs of all descendants of Abraham. In Genesis 21:17, God hears Ishmael's cries in the desert and ensures Hagar of his safety and well-being.
Hagar's Tears and Divine Compassion
MIDRASH
Hagar's tears and God's response highlight the power of faith and the immediate righteousness of Ishmael. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, explores the themes of divine justice and compassion in the story of Hagar and Ishmael.
Divine Promise Revealed
LITURGY
In her moment of despair, Hagar experiences divine intervention and receives a promise of a future for her and her son, Ishmael. This Torah reading for the first day of Rosh Hashanah emphasizes themes of divine compassion and the fulfillment of promises.
Sarah's Initiative and Hagar
SECOND TEMPLE
Sarah's decision to give Hagar to Abraham as a concubine due to her own infertility highlights her active role in shaping the future of her family. Philo of Alexandria, a first-century Jewish philosopher, offers a unique perspective on Sarah's initiative and her name.
Hagar and Ishmael by George Hitchcock (1850-1913)
Hagar and Ishmael by George Hitchcock (1850-1913)
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