Genesis 16:8

He said, Hagar, Sarai's maid— The angel calls her Sarai's maid, to remind her of her duty and dependence, which she ought not to have relinquished. He advises her, therefore, to return, and patiently to submit to the treatment, however hard to bear, which she had fled to avoid; at the same time comforting her with a prophetic account of her son and his descendants.

REFLECTIONS.—We have here Hagar's flight, and return at the command of the angel.

1. The place where she was: the wilderness. Sin is the wilderness we are sure to get into, the moment we leave the path of duty. She was going homeward, but God interposes. Observe, It is a great mercy to be stopped short by Providence or conscience in a sinful way.

2. The angel's address and question. The address, to humble: the question, to alarm her. Sarai's maid should have taken correction submissively, and not have left that holy family to return to the idols of AEgypt. Note; (1.) It would stop our career often, if we would ask, Whither am I going? What am I doing? (2.) Wilfully to leave the means of grace, is a dangerous step. (3.) If God did not graciously interpose, alas! what often would become of us, when under the guidance of a perverse spirit?

3. Her answer. She pleads her mistress's anger as the cause of her flight. Though it was no excuse for her, yet it was too just an accusation of Sarah. Learn, (1.) The impropriety of others' behaviour to us is no sufficient plea for an ill return. (2.) They are partners of the guilt, who by their provocations lead others to sin. (3.) If masters or mistresses forbear not threatening, their servants will have some reason to complain.

4. The Angel's command, or rather kind advice. Note; (1.) When we are out of the way of duty, it behoves us to make haste to return to it. (2.) We are bound to hope for God's blessing when we do so, however disagreeable or dangerous the step may appear. It is better to return to suffer, than by flight to continue in sin.