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Genesis 16:9 - Submit to Sarah's authority?

Genesis 16:9 - בראשית 16:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָהּ מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה שׁוּבִי אֶל־גְּבִרְתֵּךְ וְהִתְעַנִּי תַּחַת יָדֶיהָ׃

English Translation

And the angel of the Lord said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself to her hands.

Transliteration

Vayomer lah malach Adonai shuvi el-gevirteich vehit'ani tachat yadeha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה שׁ֖וּבִי אֶל־גְּבִרְתֵּ֑ךְ וְהִתְעַנִּ֖י תַּ֥חַת יָדֶֽיהָ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה שׁ֖וּבִי אֶל־גְּבִרְתֵּ֑ךְ וְהִתְעַנִּ֖י תַּ֥חַת יָדֶֽיהָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 16:9) occurs in the narrative of Hagar, Sarai's maidservant, who fled after becoming pregnant with Avram's child. The malach Hashem (angel of the Lord) intercepts Hagar in the wilderness and instructs her to return to Sarai.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the angel's instruction to "return to your mistress" is a directive for Hagar to submit to Sarai's authority despite the difficulties she faced. Rashi emphasizes that Hagar's suffering under Sarai was a form of divine justice (middah k'neged middah), as Hagar had previously disrespected Sarai once she became pregnant (Bereshit Rabbah 45:5).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 9:8) discusses the ethical treatment of servants, noting that while servants must respect their masters, masters must also treat them with compassion. The angel's instruction underscores the importance of maintaining proper hierarchical relationships while also hinting at future divine promises (as the angel proceeds to bless Hagar in the following verses).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah 45:7: The Midrash highlights that Hagar's return was a test of her humility. By submitting to Sarai, she merited the blessings later given to her descendants.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 30: The angel's appearance to Hagar demonstrates that Hashem hears the cries of the oppressed, even those of a lowly maidservant.

Theological Implications

The verse teaches that submission to rightful authority, even in hardship, aligns with divine will. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59a) similarly emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper societal and household structures. Hagar's obedience ultimately led to the fulfillment of divine promises, illustrating that challenges may serve a greater purpose in Hashem's plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 10a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine mercy and human repentance, illustrating how Hagar was instructed to return and submit, symbolizing the importance of humility and returning to one's proper place.
📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the interactions between angels and humans, particularly focusing on the angel's message to Hagar as an example of divine intervention in human affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 16:9 mean when the angel tells Hagar to return to Sarah?
A: The angel instructs Hagar to return to Sarah (her mistress) to teach her humility and acceptance of Divine providence. Rashi explains that this was a test of Hagar's character—by submitting to Sarah, she would merit future blessings (ultimately becoming the mother of nations through Yishmael).
Q: Why did the angel call Sarah 'Hagar's mistress' in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes Sarah's rightful position as Hagar's mistress (גְּבִרְתֵּךְ) to remind Hagar of the proper hierarchy. Ramban notes that even though Hagar was pregnant with Avraham's child, Sarah remained her superior in righteousness and spiritual stature.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Genesis 16:9 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of accepting difficult situations with faith. The Sforno explains that Hagar's submission—despite Sarah's harsh treatment—was ultimately for her benefit. Similarly, we learn to trust that challenges may lead to greater good.
Q: What does 'submit yourself to her hands' mean in practical terms?
A: The phrase 'submit yourself to her hands' (וְהִתְעַנִּי תַּחַת יָדֶיהָ) means willingly accepting Sarah's authority. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:7) states this prepared Hagar for her future role—just as she humbled herself here, her descendants would later humble themselves before the Jewish people.
Q: Why did an angel deliver this message instead of Hashem speaking directly?
A: The Malbim explains that an angel (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה) was sent because this was a message about interpersonal conduct, not a prophetic revelation. Angels often serve as intermediaries for guidance in human relationships, as seen later with Yaakov and Esav.