Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 16

Genesis 16:1–3: Abram, Sarai, and Hagar This passage tells how Sarai, unable to have children, gave her servant Hagar to Abram as a wife so that she might have a child through her. Although this was a common custom at the time, it was not God’s original plan for marriage. Abram listened to Sarai’s advice instead of waiting for God’s promise. This story teaches us to patiently trust God and not to use our own ideas to get what we want, even when waiting is hard (Gen. 16:2 ).v. 1: Sarai, Abram’s wife, still had no children. She had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. Sometimes, even people who have many blessings still have something they deeply want and do not have. God chooses when and how to give His gifts (Gen. 12:14 ).

v. 2: Sarai said to Abram, "The Lord

v. 3: After living ten years in Canaan, Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as a wife. Abram agreed, hoping this would fulfill God’s promise. But he did not ask God for guidance. This teaches us that even when something seems right or urgent, we should pray and wait for God’s direction (Gen. 16:2 ).

Genesis 16:4–6: Trouble Between Abram, Sarai, and Hagar These verses show the problems that quickly came after Abram took Hagar as a wife. Hagar became pregnant and began to look down on Sarai, which made Sarai upset and angry. Abram allowed Sarai to deal with Hagar as she wished, and Sarai treated Hagar harshly. This led to Hagar running away. This story teaches us that when we do not follow God’s way, it often brings pain and trouble for everyone involved (Prov. 29:21; 1 Sam. 1:6 ).v. 4: After Hagar became pregnant by Abram, she began to despise Sarai. Hagar’s attitude changed, and she looked down on Sarai because she could not have children. When people are given special favors, they can sometimes become proud and disrespectful (Prov. 30:21–23 ).

v. 5: Sarai blamed Abram for her troubles, even though she had given Hagar to him. In her anger, Sarai accused Abram and called on the Lord

v. 6: Abram told Sarai that Hagar was still her servant, so Sarai could treat her as she wished. Sarai then treated Hagar harshly, and Hagar ran away. When we let anger control us, it can lead to harsh actions and broken relationships. Hagar should have remembered her part in the problem and been patient, but instead she left. God cares about how we treat others, even those in difficult situations (Job 31:15; 1 Pet. 2:20 ).

Genesis 16:7–9: Hagar Meets the Angel of the LORD This passage tells how Hagar, after running away from Sarai, was found by the angel of the Lord

v. 8: The angel called her "Hagar, Sarai’s maid," reminding her of her true position. He asked, "Where have you come from, and where are you going?" Hagar replied that she was running away from Sarai. The angel’s questions helped Hagar think about her actions and where they would lead. It is wise to remember both our responsibilities and the dangers of leaving them (Eccl. 10:4; Deut. 8:15 ).

v. 9: The angel told Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her. Even though it was hard, going back and doing what is right is better than running away. When we realize we have made a mistake, we should be willing to return and make things right (Gen. 16:9 ).

Genesis 16:10–14: The Promise Concerning Ishmael In these verses, the angel of the Lord

v. 11: The angel tells Hagar she will have a son named Ishmael, which means “God hears,” because God has heard her suffering. God listens to people in distress, even when they do not pray with words (Deut. 26:7; Ps. 31:22 ).

v. 12: Ishmael will be like a wild donkey, living freely and sometimes in conflict with others, but he will survive and live among his relatives. Sometimes those who are difficult and wild are still protected by God and given a place in the world (Gen. 25:18 ).

v. 13: Hagar realizes that God has seen her. She calls God “You are the God who sees me.” She is amazed that God cared for her, even in her distress. When we feel alone, we can remember that God sees and understands us (Ps. 139:1 ).

v. 14: The well is named Beer-lahai-roi, which means “the well of the Living One who sees me.” This is a lasting reminder that God met Hagar there and cared for her needs. We should remember and give thanks for the times God has helped us in special ways.

Genesis 16:15–16: The Birth of Ishmael This passage records the birth of Ishmael, the son of Abram and Hagar. It is assumed that Hagar returned to Sarai and submitted to her as the angel had instructed. Ishmael was the son born "after the flesh," representing those who claim Abraham as father by natural descent rather than by faith. This reminds us that not all who belong to God’s family do so in the same way. Obedience to God’s commands brings the fulfillment of His promises (Gal. 4:23, 25 ).v. 15: Hagar gave birth to a son, and Abram named him Ishmael. Naming the child was important and showed Abram’s acceptance and recognition of him as his son.

v. 16: Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born. This shows that God’s promises often take time to be fulfilled, but they come in God’s perfect timing. It also reminds us that spiritual blessings sometimes come later than natural or worldly ones.