Re-reading the Story of Hagar From a Nias Bride’s Perspective

Abstract

Nias women are an essential part of the social life of the Nias people, a tribe that occupies the outer islands of western Sumatra. As patriarchal customs and culture strongly govern women in communities, there are crucial issues regarding the position, function, and existence of Nias women who, on the one hand, are honored but, on the other hand, are treated as servants in the household. This article will re-read the story of Hagar in the Old Testament from the perspective of the marital life of Nias women. This reading is critical not only in identifying the root of the problem but also in providing lessons from a biblical perspective on how to survive in the oppressive patriarchal environment of a society. Using narrative analysis of the Old Testament text of Hagar, it is concluded that the Nias bride is a modern portrait of Hagar’s story in a patriarchal circle. In an unchangeable situation, Nias women must have resilience like Hagar to survive and continue to fight for their fundamental rights.