The answer is: False

Gen 16 - Hagar was the handmaid of Sarah

Hagar’s story is often shrouded in complexity, highlighting the intersection of human choices, divine promises, and the repercussions that ripple through generations. In Genesis 16, Hagar is introduced as Sarah's maidservant, tasked with bearing a child for Sarah when it appeared that God wasn’t fulfilling His promise to provide them with descendants. Can you imagine being in Hagar's shoes? Once a slave, she has catapulted into the biblical spotlight, all because of her inability—largely imposed by others—to claim her own destiny. This passage invites us to acknowledge the complexity of women’s roles in the biblical narrative.

Interestingly, when we zoom in on Hagar, we see her posited as more than just a background figure. In fact, her encounter with God is profound; the angel comforts her and conveys crucial promises about her rightful descendants. Critics sometimes treat these accounts with skepticism regarding patriarchal values, yet they nevertheless emphasize the dignity and agency of women, that even when caught in difficult situations, their voices and experiences matter immensely.

Speaking of echoes, you might find it fascinating that the names carved from Hagar’s lineage, like Ishmael, which means "God hears", reverberate through Abrahamic faiths. Not to mention Hagar is notably one of the only figures in the Bible to be named twice in only a few short verses, hinting at her significance! Through Hagar, the love and attention from the Divine manages to break the barriers of social standing and position—something all readers can draw inspiration from in a contemporary setting.