Genesis 16:9 – “Then the angel of the Lord told her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her.’”
Extended Explanation
In Genesis 16:9, we encounter Hagar, a servant of Sarai (later known as Sarah), who is fleeing from her mistress’s harsh treatment. The angel of the Lord appears to Hagar and instructs her to return to Sarai and submit to her. This verse can seem perplexing at first, as it involves an instruction to return to a difficult situation. However, the angel’s command is part of a broader narrative of God’s plan and purpose for Hagar and her offspring.
The instruction to “go back” is not a dismissal of Hagar’s suffering but a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and provision. The angel’s appearance indicates that God is aware of Hagar’s plight and is involved in her life. By telling Hagar to return and submit, God is not endorsing mistreatment but setting the stage for His larger purpose, including the promise that Hagar’s descendants would be numerous.
Historical Context
Hagar was an Egyptian servant, and her story is set in a patriarchal society where servants had limited rights. Sarai, barren and desperate for an heir, gave Hagar to Abram (later Abraham) as a surrogate. When Hagar conceived, tensions arose, leading to her mistreatment by Sarai. Fleeing into the wilderness, Hagar encounters the angel of the Lord at a spring on the way to Shur. This encounter is significant because it marks one of the first recorded appearances of the “angel of the Lord” in the Bible, a figure often identified with divine manifestations of God Himself.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse demonstrates God’s involvement in the lives of all people, not just the chosen family of Abram. Hagar, a servant and foreigner, is seen and heard by God. This interaction reveals God’s character as one who sees and cares for the marginalized. The command to return and submit is tied to the promise of blessing and protection, showing that God’s plans are often beyond human understanding.
This passage also prefigures the theme of submission in the New Testament, where believers are called to submit to God’s will, even in difficult circumstances, trusting that God’s plans are for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Literary Analysis
The narrative of Hagar is interwoven with the broader story of Abram and Sarai. The repetition of themes like barrenness, promise, and God’s intervention connects this story with the overarching narrative of God’s covenant with Abram. The angel’s command to Hagar is presented as a direct, divine intervention, contrasting human injustice with divine justice. The wilderness setting symbolizes both danger and a place of encounter with God, a theme that recurs throughout the Bible.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 21:17-18 – God hears the cry of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, reaffirming His promise.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This New Testament verse echoes the call to trust in God’s care and timing.
- Luke 1:38 – Mary’s submission to God’s will reflects the attitude God desires from His followers, trusting Him even when the path is unclear.
Application for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Genesis 16:9 serves as a reminder that God sees our struggles and is present in our pain. The call to “submit” may not always mean enduring hardship passively, but it does involve trusting in God’s plan and timing. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s will, even in difficult circumstances, knowing that He is with them and has a purpose for their lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love through His attention to Hagar, a marginalized individual. Even when Hagar felt abandoned, God pursued her, offering guidance and a future hope. His love is shown in His willingness to meet her in her distress and provide a way forward.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The story of Hagar foreshadows the way Jesus reaches out to those on the margins of society. Just as Hagar was seen and cared for, Jesus sought out the lost, the broken, and the outcast. Moreover, Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will, even unto death (Philippians 2:8), is the ultimate example of trusting God’s plan. Jesus’ sacrificial love is the fulfillment of God’s promise to care for His people, including those who feel unseen.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does God’s command to Hagar to return and submit challenge your understanding of trust and obedience?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s presence in difficult situations?
- How does the story of Hagar encourage you to care for those who feel marginalized or forgotten?
- What can we learn from Hagar’s story about God’s character and His plans for those who feel lost or abandoned?
This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of Genesis 16:9, exploring its meaning and relevance for today’s believers.