Genesis 16:9

So the angel of the LORD told her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her authority."

Study Bible

The angel of the LORD
This phrase introduces a significant figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a divine messenger or a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. In Hebrew, "mal'ak YHWH" can imply a direct representation of God Himself, suggesting that Hagar's encounter is not merely with an angelic being but with God in a form she can perceive. This encounter underscores the personal nature of God's care and intervention in the lives of individuals, even those who might seem marginalized or insignificant in the broader narrative.

said to her
The act of speaking here is crucial. In the ancient Near Eastern context, divine communication was a profound event, often guiding the course of history. The fact that God speaks directly to Hagar, an Egyptian servant, highlights the inclusivity of God's concern and the personal nature of His guidance. It emphasizes that God's voice reaches beyond cultural and social boundaries, offering direction and hope.

Return to your mistress
This directive might seem harsh at first glance, but it reflects a deeper purpose in God's plan. The Hebrew word "shuv" (return) implies a turning back, not just physically but spiritually and relationally. It suggests a restoration of order and a call to trust in God's overarching plan. In the cultural context, returning to Sarai was a call to face difficult circumstances with faith, trusting that God would work through them for a greater good.

and submit to her authority
The Hebrew word "anah" (submit) carries the connotation of humility and affliction. This instruction is not about endorsing mistreatment but about embracing a posture of humility and trust in God's justice and timing. In the broader biblical narrative, submission is often linked with faith and reliance on God's sovereignty. It is a call to recognize God's authority and to trust that He will bring about His purposes, even through challenging situations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hagar
An Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), who becomes pregnant by Abram (later Abraham) at Sarai's behest. She flees from Sarai due to mistreatment.

2. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Hagar in the wilderness, providing guidance and promises regarding her future and that of her son, Ishmael.

3. Sarai (Sarah)
Abram's wife, who, in her impatience for God's promise of a child, gives Hagar to Abram as a surrogate.

4. Abram (Abraham)
The patriarch chosen by God to father a great nation. He follows Sarai's suggestion to have a child with Hagar.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where Hagar encounters the angel of the LORD, symbolizing a place of trial and divine encounter.

Teaching Points

Submission and Obedience
Hagar is instructed to return and submit, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's direction, even when it is difficult.

Divine Encounters in Desolation
God often meets us in our wilderness experiences, providing guidance and hope when we feel lost or mistreated.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite human failings and complex situations, God remains faithful to His promises, as seen in His care for Hagar and Ishmael.

The Role of Authority
The passage challenges us to consider our response to authority, especially when it is unjust, and to seek God's guidance in such situations.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when circumstances seem dire, trusting in God's plan and timing is crucial, as His ways are higher than ours.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hagar's encounter with the angel of the LORD in the wilderness reflect God's care for those who are marginalized or mistreated?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of submission to authority in our own lives, especially when faced with difficult or unjust situations?

3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

4. What can we learn from Hagar's account about encountering God in our own "wilderness" experiences, and how can we be open to His guidance during such times?

5. How does the New Testament use the account of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under grace, and what practical implications does this have for our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21:9-21
This passage continues Hagar's account, where she and Ishmael are sent away, but God provides for them, fulfilling His promise.

1 Peter 2:18-25
This New Testament passage speaks to the theme of submission, even in unjust circumstances, and connects to Christ's example of suffering.

Galatians 4:21-31
Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah allegorically to discuss the difference between living under the law and living under the promise of grace.