CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 16:1. Handmaid.] This term is used in the L XX. and N.T. in the sense of a female slave. Hagar was a bondwoman, and according to ancient usage was entirely at the disposal of her mistress. (Galatians 4:22.) _An Egyptian._ She probably entered the family of the patriarch du... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 16:4_ THE EVILS OF ABOLISHING SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS By the elevation of Hagar from the condition of a bond-servant to that of a wife, her relation to Abram’s family was changed. This sudden advancement to a superior position brought new complications into... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 16:6. Dealt hardly.] _Heb._ Afflicted her. The word is too strong to indicate merely the employment of sharp and reproachful expressions; acts of oppression are intended. GENESIS 16:7. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD.] This remarkable title occurs here for the first time in the O.T.... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 16:13. The name of the Lord.] _Heb. The name of Jehovah. Thou, God, seest me. Heb. Thou art the God of vision,_ or rather “of visibility”—who dost cause Thyself to be seen—dost manifest Thyself. _Have I also here looked after Him that seeth me? Heb. Have I here seen after t... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 16:15_ THE CONVICTION OF A SPECIAL PROVIDENCE: PRACTICAL EFFECTS I. That we enter again the paths of duty. The impression of this special visitation of God was not lost upon Hagar. She translated it into _duty,_ and at the Divine command returned to the... [ Continue Reading ]