Genesis 16:8 - Angels question fleeing Hagar

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 16:8) describes the encounter between Hagar, Sarai's maidservant, and an angel of Hashem after she fled from her mistress. This occurs following Sarai's suggestion that Avram have a child with Hagar, leading to tension between the two women.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the angel's question, "whence camest thou?" was rhetorical—meant to engage Hagar in conversation rather than seek information. The angel knew she was fleeing from Sarai but wanted her to reflect on her actions. Rashi notes that the angel addressed her as "Hagar, Sarai's maid" to remind her of her proper place as a servant, implying she should return and submit to her mistress (Rashi on Bereshit 16:8).

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:7) teaches that the angel found Hagar near a spring, emphasizing that Hashem hears the suffering of the oppressed. The spring is identified as the same one where she later encounters an angel in Bereshit 21.
• Hagar's response, "I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai," is seen as an admission of her unwillingness to endure Sarai's strictness, despite her elevated status as Avram's secondary wife (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 30).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 9:8) derives from this episode that a servant must honor their master or mistress, and fleeing from proper authority is improper. Hagar's flight, though understandable, was not justified, as she had been elevated from servitude yet failed to show proper deference.

Moral Lessons

• The Sforno highlights that Hagar's suffering was a consequence of her ingratitude toward Sarai, who had raised her status.
• The Or HaChaim notes that the angel's intervention demonstrates Hashem's mercy even toward those who err, as He guides Hagar toward repentance and return.