Beautiful. I love midrash, and these interpretations of Abraham and Isaac are amazing. Thanks for sharing them. And that idea that Isaac might have gone to spend time with Hagar??? Wow. That's a short story right there.
For a mother who has her own little Isaac, the question of Isaac's trauma has haunted me too. I love your suggestion: that Hagar would understand Isaac's trauma the most. Hagar's story haunts too but it also gives me the most hope for a God who sees the most traumatized and oppressed among us. Beautiful as always, my friend.
Denise Holmberg here. I am finishing my second novel about Hagar! I see her very differently than the throwaway slave, used and abused by a power couple and tossed into the desert to die. According to Hebrew and Arab traditions, she was Pharaoh's daughter and would have been an educated, sophisticated woman. My first book, The Egyptian Princess (by KD Holmberg), is set in Egypt when Sarai enters the pharaoh's harem. I researched what life for royal children was like in ancient Egypt and found that throughout the dynasties, daughters were educated along with the sons. I built that world and place Hagar and Sarai together there. My second novel, More Than a Handmaid, starts when Hagar joins Abram's tribe. All that to say, I track with you completely. Isaac did spend time with Hagar and Ishmael, and Isaac's son, Esau marries Ishmael's daughter because Esau believed it would please his parents. There obviously was a deep relationship between Isaac and Ishmael.
Another interesting note; after Mount Moriah, Sarai returned to Hebron and spent the rest of her days there--away from her husband. I am enjoying your blog and hope to visit your church soon. Blessings!
Yes--so I can really say, "I knew you when ..." :) We live only 40 minutes south of Asheville and I really want to come up when you are teaching in the pulpit!
I enjoyed reading those different commentaries, especially the one saying the ram was always there Abraham just wasn’t looking.
I’ve always been told this was a story that emphasized blind obedience to God, and that has never settled well with me because of how traumatized Isaac must’ve been. God doesn’t traumatize.
And the thought that maybe Isaac went to be with Hagar and he learned about the true character of God from a woman who had been outcast and traumatized-man, that’s a good thought.
My husband and I have recently discussed Isaac not going home with his father. I love the idea of visiting his brother and Hagar. They were close when he was little. It must have been hard on him to have his playmate sent away. Makes me think of what Sarah was like as a mom. 😬
And my sister's family (she and her husband, their kids, spouses, grandkids - ages 5-75) have a multi-generational bookclub. It is awesome. Everyone gets a chance to choose a book, so they have read all kinds of books together. I got to attend once. What a delight!
Beautiful. I love midrash, and these interpretations of Abraham and Isaac are amazing. Thanks for sharing them. And that idea that Isaac might have gone to spend time with Hagar??? Wow. That's a short story right there.
Please write it, Shawn!
For a mother who has her own little Isaac, the question of Isaac's trauma has haunted me too. I love your suggestion: that Hagar would understand Isaac's trauma the most. Hagar's story haunts too but it also gives me the most hope for a God who sees the most traumatized and oppressed among us. Beautiful as always, my friend.
Hi Amy,
Denise Holmberg here. I am finishing my second novel about Hagar! I see her very differently than the throwaway slave, used and abused by a power couple and tossed into the desert to die. According to Hebrew and Arab traditions, she was Pharaoh's daughter and would have been an educated, sophisticated woman. My first book, The Egyptian Princess (by KD Holmberg), is set in Egypt when Sarai enters the pharaoh's harem. I researched what life for royal children was like in ancient Egypt and found that throughout the dynasties, daughters were educated along with the sons. I built that world and place Hagar and Sarai together there. My second novel, More Than a Handmaid, starts when Hagar joins Abram's tribe. All that to say, I track with you completely. Isaac did spend time with Hagar and Ishmael, and Isaac's son, Esau marries Ishmael's daughter because Esau believed it would please his parents. There obviously was a deep relationship between Isaac and Ishmael.
Another interesting note; after Mount Moriah, Sarai returned to Hebron and spent the rest of her days there--away from her husband. I am enjoying your blog and hope to visit your church soon. Blessings!
Yes, I love that idea that Hagar was an Egyptian princess...
also HI! I guess it's been about thirty five years since I saw you???
Yes--so I can really say, "I knew you when ..." :) We live only 40 minutes south of Asheville and I really want to come up when you are teaching in the pulpit!
I enjoyed reading those different commentaries, especially the one saying the ram was always there Abraham just wasn’t looking.
I’ve always been told this was a story that emphasized blind obedience to God, and that has never settled well with me because of how traumatized Isaac must’ve been. God doesn’t traumatize.
And the thought that maybe Isaac went to be with Hagar and he learned about the true character of God from a woman who had been outcast and traumatized-man, that’s a good thought.
Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I have recently discussed Isaac not going home with his father. I love the idea of visiting his brother and Hagar. They were close when he was little. It must have been hard on him to have his playmate sent away. Makes me think of what Sarah was like as a mom. 😬
And my sister's family (she and her husband, their kids, spouses, grandkids - ages 5-75) have a multi-generational bookclub. It is awesome. Everyone gets a chance to choose a book, so they have read all kinds of books together. I got to attend once. What a delight!
So sorry I missed the midrash sesh ... but so delighted YOU didn't. (And to know they'll post a recording?)