Saturday, March 2, 2024

Chapter 21: Hagar

 

Hagar, Sarai's Maidservant

Setting: Genesis 13:1-2

I know not if Senusret suspected that I had been aware of Sarai’s marriage to Abram, but for one reason or another in anger he instructed me to leave with the house of Abram.  I could scarcely have done otherwise, for they left in haste, and my mistress was in need of my help to collect her things and depart without delay.


What an immense spectacle for the people of Egypt, to see this great man Abram leading flocks without number out of the city and into the wilderness, accompanied by all manner of servants and great riches, and his gorgeous wife riding at his side.  What an embarrassment to Senusret, whatever the magicians may say.

I had never before know the life of shepherds, and it was a great challenge for me to maintain a good attitude as we constantly moved through the harsh wilderness, surrounded by sheep and seemingly always in need of more water.  Sarai was a comfort to me then, for she had spent many nights in the wilderness, and seen many lands, and assured me that Adonai would provide, as He always had.

Abram and his wife and his household are a strange people, who serve a strange God.  But it is undeniable that the God is for the people, for they do succeed wherever they go.