Genesis 16:4 - Meaning and Application

We see here the immediate bad results of Abram’s unhappy choice to marry Hagar. It quickly led to much trouble. When we do not do what is right, both sin and sorrow are waiting at the door. We often bring guilt and grief on ourselves when we leave the path of duty, and this story shows it clearly.

First, Sarai is despised, and that stirs her anger, in Genesis 16:4. As soon as Hagar sees that she is pregnant by her master, she begins to look down on her mistress. She may have mocked her for not having children and used her new position to make Sarai feel hurt, just as Hannah was provoked by Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:6). Hagar likely boasted that she would give Abram an heir, one who would belong to the promised land and the promise itself. She now thought herself better than Sarai, more favored by God, and more likely to be loved by Abram, so she refused the humble place she had once accepted.

This shows how people of low rank or little power, when they are lifted up by God or by others, can become proud and rude. It is hard to handle honor well. We also often suffer because of those we have wrongly encouraged in sin. God may wisely let the very people we used in our sin become the source of our trouble. In that way, our own bad choices come back on us.

Next, Abram is blamed, and Sarai cannot settle down while she is upset. She speaks sharply and unfairly to him in Genesis 16:5. She says, “Let the wrong done to me be on you,” and seems to think Abram supported Hagar’s pride. She is so angry that she will not patiently hear him explain or defend himself. Instead, she rashly calls on the Lord to judge between them, as if Abram had refused to set matters right.

This is a common fault in angry people, they blame others for what they themselves caused. Sarai had given Hagar to Abram, and yet she cries out against him, when she should have said, “What a foolish thing I did.” Pride and anger do not speak wisely. When passion is in control, reason is shut out. Also, those who loudly call on God are not always right. Bold and rash calls for judgment are often signs of guilt and a bad cause.

Then Hagar is hurt and driven out of the house, as Genesis 16:6 tells us. Abram responds with meekness and leaves the maid’s care to Sarai, because managing the female servants was her proper part in the household. He says, “Your maid is in your hand.” Even so, he does not approve anything rude toward Sarai, and he still loves her as his wife. If we want peace and love to continue, we must answer harsh words with gentle ones. Husbands and wives especially should avoid becoming angry at the same time. Gentle yielding can calm serious offenses (Proverbs 15:1).

But Sarai lets her anger run too far and treats Hagar harshly. She likely kept her to hard labor and may have dealt with her very severely. God notices such treatment and is displeased when masters are cruel to servants. They should remember that the same Maker made both master and servant (Job 31:15).

Hagar, however, cannot bear the rebuke. Her proud spirit refuses correction, so she runs away from Sarai’s face. She does not merely step aside for a time, like David fleeing from Saul, but leaves her service altogether and runs from the house. In doing this, she forgets what she owes her mistress and Abram, whose wife she was serving. Pride is hard to keep in check, even with duty and obligation. She also forgets that she first caused the trouble by despising her mistress. Those who suffer for their own faults should endure it patiently (1 Peter 2:20).