Genesis 16:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is this steadfast and valiant servant of God, who, regardless of circumstances, secures crowns for himself? In this situation, observe the virtue he displays in his response to his wife: "Behold, thy handmaid is in thy hands; do with her as thou wilt." The righteousness of this just man is profound, and his endurance is remarkable! Not only did he refrain from angering at Sarah’s words, but he responded with remarkable kindness, saying: You suspect that I have wronged you, and you believe that I take pleasure in this servant’s actions simply because she was once with me; however, understand that had I wished to act against your will, I would not have proceeded as I did, nor would I have allowed a servant to share your space without your consent.

Sarah could no longer tolerate the pride of the Egyptian maidservant and became resentful towards her. Consequently, she expelled her from their home, allowing her to depart as she pleased, naturally with the consent of her rightful husband, Abraham.

Regarding the actions taken, one cannot hold Abraham accountable for engaging in relations, as he united with Hagar, the first servant girl, with the intention of procreation rather than to satisfy desire or to bring anguish to his wife. His actions were in response to her expressed wish, as she sought to alleviate her barrenness by utilizing the fertile womb of the maid to compensate for her own inability to conceive. (1 Cor. 7: 4.) Sarah, as his wife, supported him in this plan by allowing him to father a child through another woman, since she herself could not bear children. There was nothing lascivious or shameful about this arrangement.

Hagar, placing her trust in Abram, became fearful and fled upon realizing that he had handed her over to her mistress, whom she had criticized. However, an angel encountered her and spoke to her.

Abraham, who exemplified moderation and wisdom, addressed his wife saying, ‘Here is your servant; do with her as you wish (Gen. 16:6).’ He favored his wife over the bondwoman. Yet, this was insufficient. The agitated woman was granted authority and, in her quest for vengeance, acted in a highly inappropriate manner. If Sarah could not exercise self-control, what woman could possibly do so? Thus, it is written, And Sarah began to mistreat her, and Hagar fled from her presence (Gen. 16:6). In this passage, Scripture highlights both the intense anger of the mistress and the excessive pride of the maid. The fact that Sarah began to mistreat Hagar reveals the spirit of the oppressor, while Hagar's flight signifies her inability to endure the mistreatment. Sarah retaliated against her for being the master’s concubine, while Hagar, consumed by pride, could not tolerate the humiliation.

Hagar, having become pregnant by Abraham, grew arrogant toward her mistress. The nature of a servant often becomes proud and domineering in times of pleasure and abundance, as the Scripture observes: ‘The earth shakes with three, but it cannot bear the fourth; if a slave reigns, if a madman is filled with food; if a servant gains control over her mistress, a vile wife will turn to a good husband’ (Proverbs 30:21-23). Such was Hagar's disposition, yet the authority of her mistress prevailed, teaching the servant to recognize her position and refrain from lifting herself up.

These occurrences explain humanity's downfall. Through them, a genuine Christian can delve into the profound nature of this fall, as these events relate to the most virtuous figures of the Old Testament.

Look, your servant is at your disposal. Abram's lack of concern is astonishing. He refrains from pleading for Hagar, who has already borne his child, nor does he condemn Sarah, who made the choice to elevate the proud handmaid. Instead, he defers to Providence regarding the destiny of his offspring. It is possible that Hagar's actions revealed to him that her child would not receive God’s particular favor. Sarah dealt with her severely. Ambrose criticizes Sarah for this behavior, yet it is God Himself who vindicates her (Genesis 16:9).

In a straightforward interpretation, the patriarch is described as passionate because he accepted a servant from his wife without pursuing gratification. He now prioritizes the former over the latter at her request and declines when the latter expresses desire. In a deeper sense, the righteous individual, even at an initial stage, not fully separated from goodness, willingly embraces correction from her, quickly letting go of trivial matters. By submitting to her guidance, he engages in foundational studies, acknowledging her authority over them. Since he seeks that all actions, thoughts, and words align with the aim of righteousness, he welcomes her corrections eagerly.