ASmith Essay/Blog 6

Amy Smith

WGS 3464/5960

Essay/Blog 6

The character of Sarah/Sarai in the Hebrew Bible is an interesting study of a woman using power and agency in a highly patriarchal setting.  Genesis 16 shows Sarai as a matriarchal figure uses her position to maintain the honor of household.  As she is described unable to have children, she takes matters into her own hands by suggesting that her husband Abram have a child with her slave Hagar, so Sarai may “obtain children by her” (Gen. 16:2).  When Hagar conceived a child with Abram, the roles of master and slave appeared to change and Hagar’s attitude toward Sarai became contemptuous (Gen. 16:4).  Sarai again uses her matriarchal power to reestablish her position in the household by disciplining Hagar in a manner that causes Hagar to run away (Gen. 16:6).  It is important to note that Sarai still functions within the hierarchy of the household by addressing the issue of Hagar’s contemptuous attitude with Abram first.  Abram’s response appears almost passive as he tells Sarai she may do with Hagar as she pleases (Gen. 16:6), however, Abram’s truly powerful position is implicit, as Sarai must have his permission to act. 

Chapter 18 of Genesis provides another glimpse into Sarah’s autonomy as she is described in a confrontational manner between herself and Abraham and herself and God.  She hears from guests that she will have a son (Gen. 18:9).  She reacts to this news sarcastically and laughs to herself, since she is long past childbearing age (Gen. 18:12).  God asks Abraham why Sarah laughed, and questions if “anything is too wonderful for the Lord” (Gen. 18:14).  Abraham relays these questions to Sarah, and she denies her own laughter, but she is afraid because her thoughts appear to have been read (Gen. 18:15). 

In the Qur’an, the foretelling of the birth of Isaac (as well as Isaac’s son Jacob) is also presented, but the character of Abraham’s wife has no name.  She also laughs and openly questions the messengers regarding her advanced age, as well as Abraham’s.  She states, “That would be a strange thing!” (Q 11:72).  Her reaction indicates wonderment at the possibility of the upcoming event.  This wonderment is further indicated by the messenger’s response: “…Are you astonished at what God ordains?” (Q 11:73).   Sarah and Abraham’s wife both laugh when confronted with almost unbelievable information.  In the story in the Qur’an, Abraham’s wife shows agency when she questions the bearers of the news, and appears open to the possibility of a miracle.  Sarah, on the other hand, seems critical and unbelieving of this news, and requires convincing by God.