Genesis 16:9

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

Study Bible

So the angel of the LORD told her
The "angel of the LORD" is often understood as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, rather than a mere angelic being. This is significant because it indicates the importance of the message being delivered. The angel of the LORD appears at critical moments in the Old Testament, such as to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and to Gideon (Judges 6:11-12). This encounter with Hagar highlights God's personal involvement and care for individuals, even those on the margins of society.

“Return to your mistress
Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, had fled from Sarai due to harsh treatment. The command to return is significant in the cultural context of the time, where social hierarchies and household structures were rigidly maintained. This directive underscores the importance of order and submission within the household, which was a foundational aspect of ancient Near Eastern society. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and restoration of relationships.

and submit to her authority.”
Submission here is not merely about obedience but involves a deeper trust in God's plan and provision. This mirrors the New Testament teachings on submission found in passages like Ephesians 5:21-24, where believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. The call to submit is also prophetic, as it foreshadows the ultimate submission of Christ to the Father's will, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Hagar's submission is a test of faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises despite her difficult circumstances.

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.