Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Sarai give Hagar to Avram as a wife?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 16:2), Sarai gave Hagar to Avram because she had not yet borne children after ten years in Canaan. Following the custom of the time, a wife could give her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf (similar to the later practice with Rachel and Bilhah).
Q: Was it common to take a second wife in biblical times?
A: Yes, in ancient times, taking additional wives or concubines was sometimes practiced, especially when the primary wife was childless. The Torah later regulated this practice, and monogamy became the ideal in Judaism. The Rambam (Ishut 14:3) explains that while polygamy was technically permitted, it was not the ideal marital structure.
Q: Why is Hagar described as 'the Egyptian'?
A: Hagar is identified as Egyptian (הַמִּצְרִית) to emphasize her background. Rashi notes that she was either a daughter of Pharaoh given to Avram during their time in Egypt (Genesis 12:16) or a maidservant acquired there. This detail highlights her foreign origin and status as a maidservant in Avram's household.
Q: What can we learn from Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Avram?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:2) explains that Sarai acted out of deep faith, hoping to fulfill the divine promise of offspring (Genesis 15:4). However, this also teaches that human efforts to 'help' divine plans can lead to complications, as seen later with the tension between Hagar and Sarai.
Q: How long did Avram wait before taking Hagar as a wife?
A: The verse states that this happened 'after ten years of Avram dwelling in Canaan.' Rashi explains that they waited a full ten years from their arrival in Canaan (based on Genesis 12:5) before resorting to this option, showing their patience in awaiting children before taking this step.
Context and Timing of the Event
The verse (Bereishit 16:3) describes Sarai giving her maidservant Hagar to Avram as a wife after they had dwelled in Canaan for ten years. Rashi explains that this occurred after ten years of childlessness, based on the principle that a couple should wait ten years before assuming infertility (Yevamot 64a). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:2) notes that Sarai acted out of deep faith in Hashem's promise of offspring to Avram, hoping Hagar would bear a child in her stead.
Sarai's Initiative
Sarai's action is seen as an act of selflessness and devotion to fulfilling the divine promise. Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that Sarai followed the custom of the time, where a childless wife might give her maidservant to her husband to build a family (similar to the later laws of yibbum). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) praises Sarai’s righteousness, as she prioritized Avram’s legacy over her own honor.
Hagar's Status
Lessons in Emunah and Sacrifice
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Sarai’s decision demonstrated supreme faith—she trusted that Hagar’s child would be considered hers (as later seen with Yaakov’s wives and their maidservants). The Or HaChaim adds that this episode teaches the importance of patience in awaiting divine promises, as Sarai acted only after a full decade of waiting.