When Blame Becomes Sin

Genesis 16:5–6 (NASB95) 

5And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the Lord judge between you and me.” 6But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. 

Sarai’s plan to provide Abram with an heir through Hagar began as a culturally accepted solution to her barrenness. Yet, when Hagar conceived, the relationships unraveled. Sarai felt wronged and blamed Abram for her pain, even though she had initiated the arrangement. She appealed to the Lord to judge between them, using the Hebrew word for ḥāmās, a term often associated with violence, betrayal, and injustice. Sarai’s sense of injustice was real, but her response was not justified. She dealt harshly with Hagar, subjecting her to aggressive humiliation and oppression. Ironically, the same Hebrew word for oppression (ḥāmās) is used to describe the later suffering of Abram’s descendants in Egypt, highlighting the irony and gravity of Sarai’s actions. 

The story reveals the faults of everyone involved. Hagar failed to respect Sarai. Abram failed to keep harmony and protect the vulnerable. Sarai failed to treat Hagar with respect. Ancient legal codes, such as those from Hammurabi and Nuzi, permitted a barren wife to give her servant to her husband, but they also cautioned against the servant claiming equality. Sarai’s actions, while legally allowed, were morally wrong. Her initial goal was good, but her lack of spiritual discipline brought regret, harshness, and pain.  

The story challenges the church to examine how we handle disappointment, power, and blame. When plans go awry, it is easy to shift responsibility and act out of wounded pride. True justice requires humility, self-examination, and compassion for the vulnerable. The church must resist the temptation to justify harshness or oppression, even when culture or law permits it. Instead, we are called to reflect Christ’s love, seek reconciliation, and protect those who are powerless.