This chapter in the life of Abraham and company is a surprising twist given the account of divine covenant ratification featured immediately prior in chapter 15. How could such supernatural events, including the swearing of covenant oath by Yahweh in person, be so quickly lost on His servant? The answers remind us all of our spiritual frailty. As David waged war on forgetfulness in Psalm 103, he do doubt remembered his personal failures as well as the fitful record of faithfulness so often exhibited by those with the fewest excuses. Against this backdrop, grace shines all the brighter. Not only does God display His long- suffering to Abram and Sari in spite of their failings, He reaches even further, extending His tender mercies unto an Egyptian maidservant who is pregnant with Abram's son by means of a foolhardy conspiracy. This chapter demonstrates the real consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Lack of faith in covenant relationship with the Lord evident in fear, doubt, and disobedience will affect other covenant relationships as well, in this case, the marriage union. All covenant fidelity stems from one's commitment to the Lord first and foremost. When there is disorder in the heart, it breeds disorder in the home, often with disastrous results. Nevertheless, God, who swore to His own hurt to fulfill His covenant promises, will demonstrate His saving grace proving the power of the cross when the ultimate significant Son would die for those in the line of Christ like Abram and Sarai and those who are gentile outcasts like Hagar...