“And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.”
This verse is a part of the narrative of Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. In this chapter, Sarah was barren, and in an attempt to have a child, she suggested to Abraham that he take Hagar as his concubine. Hagar became pregnant, but tensions arose between Sarah and Hagar, leading to Hagar fleeing from Sarah’s presence.
During Hagar’s flight, she encountered an angel of the LORD by a spring of water in the wilderness. The angel instructed her to return to Sarah and submit herself under her hands. Let’s explore the significance and lessons we can glean from this verse.
Obedience and Submission:The angel’s instruction to Hagar highlights the importance of obedience and submission. Despite the challenging circumstances and mistreatment, Hagar was instructed to return to Sarah and submit to her authority. This emphasizes the virtue of humility and obedience even in difficult situations.
God’s Care and Guidance:The presence of the angel demonstrates God’s care for Hagar. In her distress, God sent an angel to guide and instruct her. This reminds us that God is aware of our circumstances and is willing to provide guidance and direction when we seek Him.
Dealing with Conflict:The relationship between Sarah and Hagar was marked by tension and conflict. Hagar’s flight was a result of this strife. However, instead of allowing the conflict to escalate, the angel advised Hagar to go back and reconcile with Sarah. This encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions and restoration in difficult relationships rather than running away from problems.
Trusting in God’s Plan:Hagar’s situation was challenging and uncertain. She had become pregnant with Abraham’s child but was now fleeing in distress. However, the angel’s instruction implied that God had a plan and purpose for her, even in the midst of her difficulties. This reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to work out His plans for our lives, even when we face challenging circumstances.
In summary, Genesis 16:9 teaches us about obedience, submission, God’s care and guidance, dealing with conflict, and trusting in God’s plan. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of difficult situations, God is present and provides guidance for us to navigate through life’s challenges.
