How did Sarai plan to have children when she was barren?
Sarai planned to obtain children through her Egyptian handmaid Hagar. Since she said the Lord had restrained her from bearing, she asked Abram to go in unto her maid, explaining that she might obtain children by her. This was surrogate motherhood, a custom prevalent in the ancient Orient.
Les explains that Sarai, Abram’s wife, was barren and had an Egyptian handmaid named Hagar. Sarai told Abram that Jehovah had restrained her from bearing and urged him to go in unto her maid, so that she might obtain children by her. Les notes that this is what is called surrogate motherhood today, and that it was a prevalent custom in the Orient because in ancient cultures childlessness was anathema—nothing a woman dreaded more than to be left childless.
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
More Questions
Who is missing from the conversation between Sarai and Abram about having a child?
God is totally lacking from the conversation between Sarai and Abram — God has not said a word in that exchange.
Why did Sarah tell Abram to have a child with Hagar?
Sarah, growing as impatient as Abram for a son, was the one who suggested that Abram go into Hagar because she said the LORD had restrained her from bearing.
Who is completely absent from the conversation where Sarai tells Abram to have a child with her maid?
God is the one who is totally lacking from the conversation in which Sarai proposes that Abram have a child by her maid — God hasn't said a word yet.