An angel of God meets Hagar by a well of water in the desert. The angel addresses her as “Hagar, maidservant of Sarah.” When he asks her where she is running to, the only answer Hagar gives is that she is running away from “Sarah my mistress.” – This is what she can no longer bear. She needs her freedom.
First the angel responds with the condition that she should return “to your mistress and recognize Sarah’s supremacy of your own free will.” This recognition will leave its impression on your child, and he will grow up under Sarah’s educational influence. Hagar does not return.
Next the angel promises that in return for her sacrifice, her offspring will be too many to count. Hagar does not return.
Finally Hagar is told that her descendants will be the freest of all mankind. This is finally enough to convince Hagar to return. She has tasted freedom, and if this difficult phase will result in a nation that is free, it is worth the struggle.
Beraishis 16: 7-12
pages 372-374
