According to Hard Sayings of the Bible p.121-122, similar examples of a maidservant standing in for a barren wife are found in the laws of the Code of Hammurabi, the Nuzi Tablets, the Alalakh Tablets, and the Mari Tablets. However, if something is both commonly practiced and "legal", that does not necessarily mean it pleases God. Genesis 16:4-5 shows that Sarah soon regretted her action.
Kwa mujibu wa Misemo Migumu ya Biblia uk.121-122, mifano inayofanana na huu wa kijakazi kuchukua nafasi ya mke mgumba inapatikana kwenye sheria za Hammurabi, vibao vya Nuzi, vibao vya Alalakh na vibao vya Mari. Lakini hata kama jambo linafanywa na watu wengi na ni "halali", haimaanishi kuwa linampendeza Mungu. Mwanzo 16:4-5 inaonyesha kuwa muda mfupi baadaye Sara alijuta kwa kitendo chake hicho.