Line Upon Line Lesson 016: Three Sinners and One Redeemer
Genesis 16:9 - The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.”
Why would Jesus tell a runaway slave to return to her master who had been mistreating her? In order to understand this verse, we need to study the entire passage.
Let’s read together Genesis 16:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:16; and Psalm 19:13.
Sarah and Abraham were unable to conceive and have a child. Abraham began to consider Eliezer, a trusted servant born in his household, to be his heir. However, Sarah remembered God’s promise to Abraham
In ancient times, it was legal for a woman to give her female slave to her husband to conceive a child. That child would legally be the child of the woman. The slave would be considered a wife of the man, but she would not have the same rights as the original wife.
Sarah was trying to fulfill God’s promise on human terms. Remember, God promised Abraham would be the father of a great nation. God did not ask Abraham to do anything to achieve this promise. All Abraham had to do was believe God would fulfill this promise.
In a sense, Sarah was trying to play God in this situation. Despite her good intentions, Sarah was actually usurping God’s authority. While human work and effort may be required in certain things, we have to have faith in God’s promises to let Him do what He said He would do.
Let’s read together Genesis 16:4-6; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 19:4-6; and 1 Timothy 3:2-4.
While Sarah’s scheme succeeded, friction developed in Abraham’s household. Hagar began to look down upon Sarah since she conceived an heir for Abraham and Sarah had not. Sarah blamed Abraham for this and he allowed her to mistreat Hagar.
Abraham failed at least three times in this passage. First of all, Abraham should not have heeded Sarah’s suggestion. It may have been culturally acceptable, but it went against the word of God. Furthermore, Sarah’s suggestion introduced the sin of polygamy into Abraham’s household.
Let’s read together Psalm 123:2; Ephesians 6:9; and Colossians 4:1.
Secondly, Abraham did not say anything to Hagar when she continued to look down on Sarah. Lastly, Abraham then allowed Sarah to mistreat Hagar so harshly that she ran away. Abraham should have restrained Sarah’s hand. Even though she was a slave, Hagar should have been treated with more dignity and respect than she was given. Abraham chose to appease his wife rather than stand up for what was right.
Let’s read together Genesis 12:16 and Proverbs 16:18.
Let us be clear. Hagar was a victim in this story. As a slave (likely given to Abraham and Sarah as a gift from Pharaoh), Hagar was in a vulnerable position. She did not have much say in the matter when Sarah decided to give her to Abaham as a wife.
However, Hagar was also a sinner. She allowed the sin of pride to fester in her heart. She looked upon Sarah who couldn’t conceive, while she birthed an heir to Abraham.
Let’s read together Genesis 16:9: Deuteronomy 32:39; and Colossians 1:15-20.
So, why did Jesus tell Hagar to go back to Sarah knowing this whole situation? First of all, Hagar was a runaway slave. The penalties for catching fugitive slaves were rather harsh in those days, including death. Also, Hagar had no idea where she was going. She could have found herself in another dangerous situation (raiders, wild animals, etc.). Going back to Sarah may have been the safest option for Hagar.
Let’s read together Genesis 16:10-16; Numbers 11:23; and James 5:11.
Finally, Jesus is a Redeemer. This situation was not of God’s devising - it was caused by sinful human beings. Nevertheless, God heard the cries of a lowly slave girl and answered her. Jesus was going to redeem this situation.
Friend, no matter how messed up things are in your life, will you believe that Jesus can redeem the situation and you?
