Genesis 16:4 - Pride before the fall?

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 16:4) describes the aftermath of Avram (later Avraham) heeding Sarai's suggestion to take Hagar, her maidservant, as a wife in hopes of having children. After Hagar conceives, she begins to look down upon Sarai, her mistress.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Hagar's disdain for Sarai stemmed from her newfound status as a pregnant woman. Hagar reasoned that since she was able to conceive while Sarai could not, she must be more righteous in the eyes of Hashem. This haughtiness led her to treat Sarai with disrespect.

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:4) elaborates that Hagar would boast, "Sarai appears righteous outwardly, but she is not truly righteous—otherwise, she would have conceived like me."
• Another Midrashic interpretation suggests that Hagar stopped performing her duties as a maidservant, believing her pregnancy elevated her status above Sarai.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:3) discusses the proper relationship between a wife and her maidservant, emphasizing that even if a maidservant bears children for her master, she must still maintain proper respect for her mistress. Hagar's behavior serves as a negative example of failing to uphold this hierarchy.

Moral Lessons

• The incident teaches the dangers of arrogance, especially when one is blessed with success (as Hagar was with pregnancy).
• It highlights the importance of maintaining proper relationships, even when circumstances change.
• The Torah demonstrates that Sarai's reaction (later in the parsha) was justified, as Hagar had violated the expected norms of respect.