MPV Commentary

1. Sarai had a handmaid, one of those she obtained in Egypt.

3. Sarai gave her to Abram as his wife, an inferior but not degrading relation common in countries where polygamy prevails. In this context, no one could become the husband's secondary wife without the mistress's consent or permission. This practice seems to have been prevalent in patriarchal times; Hagar, Sarai's slave, was given by her mistress's offer to be Abram's secondary wife in the hope of obtaining a long-awaited heir. However, this step indicates a lack of simple reliance on God and ultimately leads to bitter consequences for Sarai.

5. Sarai said to Hagar, "My wrong be upon you." Outbursts of temper or blows occurred until Hagar realized she had no chance of winning the unequal struggle and decided to escape what had become her reality – a house of bondage.

7. The angel of the Lord found Hagar by a fountain in Shur, a desert region on the west of Arabia-Petræa between Palestine and Egypt. By taking this direction, she intended to return to her relatives in that country. Only pride, passion, and obstinacy could have driven someone to brave such dangers; had it not been for the timely appearance and words of the angel, Hagar would likely have perished.

11. Ishmael's name means "God hears." The reason is explained.

12. He will be a wild man, like a wild ass in his behavior. His hand will be against every man, describing the rough and plundering character of the Arabs. Despite attempts to subdue or extirpate them, they maintain their independence by dwelling in the presence of all their brethren – pitching tents and living freely.

13. The well was named because it commemorated God's gracious appearance to Hagar in her time of distress.