Abraham and Sarah devised their own plan to fulfill God's plan. Abraham had been told that God would make of him a great nation. In Genesis 13:15,16, God states to Abraham: "For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered." In Genesis 15:5, when Abraham was talking with God in a vision, God told him that his seed would be as "the stars" for number. In referring to Abraham's descendents, or "seed," God has used the dust of the earth, and the stars, neither of which man can number because of their multitude. In Genesis 15:2, Abram's great concern is revealed because he is childless; in verse 3, he tells God that "to me thou hast given no seed." We learn in verse 4 that Abram is told it would be his own child through whom this blessing would come.
After this, Sarai (this was her name before it was changed to Sarah) devised the plan for Abram to have seed, and herself also. So Abram was given Sarai's maid for a wife, and through this maid, Hagar, a son was born to Abram. Was this God's way? Was it through Hagar that Abram was to have seed? No. Abram was 86 when his son Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:16).
At age 99, Abram's name was changed by God to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-5). He still did not have the promised son through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 18:18). Also, Sarai's name was changed to Sarah (Genesis 17:15). Sarah was 89 at this time. She was past child-bearing age (Genesis 18:11). While it may have been the case that, at Abraham's and Sarah's age, the conception of a child was not possible, this was not the case when God's plan was involved. So, one year later, when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, the promised seed was born to Abraham through Sarah.
Today, God does not work through man as He did with Abraham and Sarah. God's plan was carried out as it was so Abraham could show his faith, and would know God had a way by which Abraham would become the father of a great nation. Through Abraham's descendants would come our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, God's plan was settled, as to Abraham's promised son. Sarah's plan to provide Abraham a son through the handmaid Hagar did not change God's plan.
It is good to know you are studying the truths presented the past few lessons! We can understand God's Word alike, can we not? Your mail is appreciated, and your comments welcomed. The link below will open a message window, into which you may enter your question. Thank you.
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