Genesis 16:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the message delivered by the angel: "The angel of the Lord instructed her, 'Go back to your mistress and yield to her authority.'" In response to Hagar's lament, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarah," the angel urges her to return and not forget the kindness shown to her. The angel reminds her that her pride and haughtiness have stirred the wrath of her mistress, advising her to "submit to her," for her own good. She is called to remember her servitude and not to elevate herself in thought or ambition: "submit to her," and provide her complete obedience. Such counsel from the angel softened her heart, humbled her pride, calmed her fury, and brought peace to her troubled mind.

It was essential that once Immanuel had made His presence felt and His sacrament was revealed to the world, the symbols of the Mosaic tapestry should yield to the principles of the Gospel, surrendering to the superior and more complete commandments. This is conveyed through a vivid metaphor. The essence of this imagery is illustrated as follows: A woman fled from her home and roamed in the wilderness. An angel from heaven inquired about her journey's purpose and her point of origin. She replied, “I am fleeing from the face of Sarah my mistress” (Gen. 16:8). What did the Divine Messenger respond? “Return,” he commanded, “to your mistress, and submit to her.” Yet, feeling overwhelmed by her circumstances and seeking escape, she chose a path of disobedience.

The angel was displeased with the maid’s arrogance and instructed her to return to her mistress (Gen. 16:9). Surely, the angel recognized that her flight was prompted by the harshness of the punishments rather than a mere desire to escape. He would have preferred to denounce the cruelty of her oppressor rather than the flight of the one seeking refuge. However, by highlighting that she fled out of pride and a refusal to submit to her mistress, he emphasized the necessity for her to humble herself under her authority (Gen. 16:9). It is my earnest desire that no one should succumb to this sin of fornication, and if anyone does, let it be known that the maid ought to yield to his wife, so that in an effort to shield the maid, he does not endanger his marriage.

The angel does not directly rebuke Hagar or Sarah, but rather seeks to restore harmony in their relationship. This indicates that their interactions were characterized more by misunderstanding than by deliberate malice. Hagar believed it inappropriate for Abram's wife to stay in a subordinate position, while Sarah was concerned that her servant might assume a position of authority over her.

The literal interpretation is evident. From an allegorical perspective, if a person engages in a meaningless action, believing it is unique to those who adhere to the shadows of the Law, and chooses to sidestep spiritual comprehension, the guiding word redirects such an individual back to the original intent of God. For even the Lord indicated that what is described in Scripture as a shadow will eventually be liberated from it, as seen in His question, “Wherefore have I the multitude of your sacrifices?” (Isaiah 1:11), and likewise, “Do I eat the meat of oxen, and drink the blood of goats? Offer sacrifices of praise to God, and make your vows to the Most High” (Psalm 49:14-15).