Introduction to Genesis Chapter 16
This chapter gives an account of Abram's marrying his maid, at the instance of his wife Sarai, Genesis 16:1, who, upon conceiving, despised her mistress; of which complaint is made to Abram, who leaving his maid to his wife, to deal with her as she pleased, dealt harshly by her, and therefore fled from her, Genesis 16:4; when she was met by an angel, who advised her to return and submit herself to her mistress, and told her her seed would be greatly multiplied, gave a name to the child she went with, and described his temper and disposition, Genesis 16:7; and then we have the name of God that spoke to her, and of the place where the discourse passed between them, Genesis 16:13; and the chapter is concluded with the birth of Ishmael, and the age of Abram at his birth,