Genesis:16

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* Verse 1-3 - Sarai , no longer expecting to have children herself , proposed to Abram to take another wife , whose children she might ; her slave , whose children would be her property . This was done without asking counsel of the Lord . Unbelief worked , God 's almighty power was forgotten . It was a bad example , and a source of manifold uneasiness . In every relation and situation in life there is some cross for us to bear : much of the exercise of faith consists in patiently submitting , in waiting the Lord 's time , and using only those means which he appoints for the removal of the cross . Foul temptations may have very fair pretences , and be coloured with that which is very plausible . Fleshly wisdom puts us out of God 's way . This would not be the case , if we would ask counsel of God by his word and by prayer , before we attempt that which is doubtful . * Verse 4-6 - Abram 's unhappy marriage to Hagar very soon made a great deal of mischief . We may thank ourselves for the guilt and grief that follow us , when we go out of the way of our duty . See it in this case , Passionate people often quarrel with others , for things of which they themselves must bear the blame . Sarai had given her maid to Abram , yet she cries out , My wrong be upon thee . That is never said wisely , which pride and anger put into our mouths . Those are not always in the right , who are most loud and forward in appealing to God : such rash and bold imprecations commonly speak guilt and a bad cause . Hagar forgot that she herself had first given the provocation , by despising her mistress . Those that suffer for their faults , ought to bear it patiently , 1st Peter strkjv @2:20 . * Verse 7-16 - Hagar was out of her place , and out of the way of her duty , and going further astray , when the Angel found her . It is a great mercy to be stopped in a sinful way , either by conscience or by providence . Whence comest thou ? Consider that thou art running from duty , and the privileges thou wast blest with in Abram 's tent . It is good to live in a religious family , which those ought to consider who have this advantage . Whither wilt thou go ? Thou art running into sin ; if Hagar return to Egypt , she will return to idol gods , and into danger in the wilderness through which she must travel . Recollecting who we are , would often teach us our duty . Inquiring whence we came , would show us our sin and folly . Considering whither we shall go , discovers our danger and misery . And those who leave their space and duty , must hasten their return , how mortifying soever it be . The declaration of the Angel , "I will ," shows this Angel was the eternal Word and Son of God . Hagar could not but admire the Lord 's mercy , and feel , Have I , who am so unworthy , been favoured with a gracious visit from the Lord ? She was brought to a better temper , returned , and by her behaviour softened Sarai , and received more gentle treatment . Would that we were always suitably impressed with this thought , Thou God seest me ! **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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