Julie
Today's passage elicited some confusion and I am not sure I am satisfied or really understand the answers I found. I am going to start at the end in Chapter 16 where Abram's wife gives him her maidservant as a wife. I have always been confused by the polygamy that goes on in the OT, and with those that are considered righteous, such as Abram. In my study, I found that God did not reject or deny those that took more than one wife as there was no law regarding that, but that those that did such always had trouble follow. I wonder if there is more that can be learned about this...
Going back to Chapter 17, vs 12-16, while God is proclaiming a covenant to Abram that his line, in time, will possess quite a bit in regards to land and such, that they will have to endure some struggles to achieve that. He forewarns that it will not be an easy road. I think that this is a great reminder that we have to endure some struggles and show our strength, courage and faith in the Lord to achieve and receive the glory and joy on the other side. If we can remember that then during the difficult times we can focus on the fact that joy will come and keep our eye on that.
Psalm 9 is giving thanks to Lord for all he does. While we ask for things every day we have to remember to thank the Lord as well for the answered prayers and the things that he does provide.
Michelle
So in reading today's passage I was reminded of some things that I thought reading the bible before. It seems humans are always questioning God and wanting him to prove things, but also having impatience. He said that Abram and Sarai's descendants would be many. So it seems she is taking matters into her own hands and not waiting on God's timing, nor is her husband. Which is a problem most people have. Impatience with everything. And I agree with you that it is confusing about multiple wives. But then in the commandments it says not to covet your neighbor's wife, so it's like he is letting them make multiple mistakes at this point. And yes it does cause a multitude of problems. The angel does tell Hagar to go back and submit to her mistress and that her descendants would increase as well. But then goes on to say that they will be at odds with his brothers for generations. So seems like this is what you get for taking matters into your own hands, for all of them. In my bible there is a study page that talks about Promises worth waiting for. It goes on to say that waiting is hard when you "know" your life will be so much better if your hopes become reality. It almost sounds like be careful what you wish for cuz sometimes it doesn't turn out the way you think it will. So Sarai didn't wait and then that caused all kids of issues. God has plans for everyone. Sometimes we just need to wait, and pray, and have faith.
The psalm has me a bit unsure. I am still working on it.
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