I’ll finally add: Hagar is able to enjoy seeing her son marry, has a hand in choosing his wife. On the other hand, Sarah dies (probably) alone, her voice is never heard again after ordering Hagar out, she and Abraham finish their days seperated – never together again after Abraham/Ishmael sacrifice event, she never sees Ishmael marry and her husband only returns to bury her. All that wealth and so much struggle! (I don’t think her half-brother/husband could ever make the Focus on the Family Hall of Fame!) Not a happy family!

Thanks everyone for a great conversation here!
Sherri

In a Bible study where we first discussed Sarah, we then moved on to Abigail(in 1 Samuel 25). Her story is amazing when held up against Sarah’s demoralizing story. Abigail had a foolish husband who offended King David, but Abigail was discerning and intelligent, and she resolved the dispute and basically saved her husband’s business (their “household”). It is also interesting that the story alludes to the idea that she used her female sensuality (not sexuality) in her dealings with David which probably secured her the position of one of his wives once her husband died (obviously not a good deal today, but in that culture very wise).

A very redemptive story. Where Sarah gave in to Abe’s horrific ineptitude and everyone experienced abuse, Abigail chose to engage in the situations her husband created with authority, but also without ever disrespecting him…pretty amazing.

For some good scholarship and perspective I recommend: “Hagar, Sarah and Their Children” Editors: Trible and Russell.

Nice take on Mary, Julie. An image out of Plato/Aristotle Greek culture … to sit at the feet of a particular teacher was the hallmark of the person being called ‘their disciple.’

Sylvia … I’m checking out the site. Yes – this is worthy of our support. (Issues of rape deserves it’s own post! Many of them! go for it!)

Hagar – consensual sex with Abram? Sarai owned Hagar’s sexuality? Part of the slavery package? Brings to mind today’s issues of mother’s selling their daughters into the sex trade!

How about woman to woman issues… who often thwarts a woman’s desires for self-determination and autonomy than another woman? There’s an issue worth a sermon from Hagar’s story.

I find God’s silent voice in this early part of the story to be very LOUD.

And, how DID Sarai get Hagar? From her 2 stints as Abram’s ‘sister’ trick in Egypt? 10 years of service, Hagar gives Sarai her all – including her womb, and Sarai turns on her! Go figure.

For some good scholarship and perspective I recommend: “Hagar, Sarah and Their Children” Editors: Trible and Russell.

Nice take on Mary, Julie. An image out of Plato/Aristotle Greek culture … to sit at the feet of a particular teacher was the hallmark of the person being called ‘their disciple.’

Sylvia … I’m checking out the site. Yes – this is worthy of our support. (Issues of rape deserves it’s own post! Many of them! go for it!)

Hagar – consensual sex with Abram? Sarai owned Hagar’s sexuality? Part of the slavery package? Brings to mind today’s issues of mother’s selling their daughters into the sex trade!

How about woman to woman issues… who often thwarts a woman’s desires for self-determination and autonomy than another woman? There’s an issue worth a sermon from Hagar’s story.

I find God’s silent voice in this early part of the story to be very LOUD.

And, how DID Sarai get Hagar? From her 2 stints as Abram’s ‘sister’ trick in Egypt? 10 years of service, Hagar gives Sarai her all – including her womb, and Sarai turns on her! Go figure.

This week my husband and I are preaching about Mary and Martha. Instead of the typical interpretation of the dangers of busyness and the blessing of following christ, we are focusing on the fact that Mary was a women sitting at a rabbi’s feet which meant she was in training to become a teacher as well. Instead of being held back by the restraints of society, she followed christs call.

anyway, I love the idea of reexaming the women of scripture. so often they are painted in a negative light (Rahab, Tamar, the women at the well), but just a bit of study can reveal the systems of oppression (patriarchy, economics, customs…) that make one see those women in a whole new light.

MizLiz,
I just read about that in (I think?) “Missing the Point” and found that very interesting. Definately worth mentioning. I know that in the churches I was raised in, I had never been told about that. I have had many instances where I thought, “What else do I think I know about the Bible that is skewed?”

I hadn’t read the Bible regularly in years when I picked this book up – too much baggage. But this book was very healing for me. She’s got one on the O.T. women as well.

I think you can get it through Amazon.

Christy

Since I read that book by Zainab Salib and visitng the website women for women, I have been really thinking a lot about how I might get involved. I think you can sponsor a women–I’m going to go back and check it out again. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could just help one woman? Wouldn’t it be cool to make a difference in the life of one Hagar?