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.
Sarai said to Abram, 'Look, the LORD has kept me from having children. Please, sleep with my servant girl; maybe I can have children through her.' And Abram listened to what Sarai said.
This verse shows Sarai suggesting that Abram have a child with her servant since she couldn't have children herself, and Abram agreeing to her plan.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, God had promised Abram (later Abraham) that he would father a great nation, but his wife Sarai (later Sarah) was unable to conceive, which created tension as they were already advanced in age. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was a customary practice for a barren wife to offer her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf, ensuring the family's lineage and fulfilling social expectations. This decision by Sarai reflects the desperation and cultural norms of the time, leading to Abram's agreement and the eventual birth of Ishmael.
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