. He said, Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid. That this signifies information, is evident from the series, for Hagar is addressed by the angel as if he were to be informed. It is a common thing in the Word for Jehovah to question a man, and for men to reply, although Jehovah knew all before, not only what is done, but also the causes and the ends, and thus all the least and inmost things. But as man is not aware of this, and believes that no one can possibly know what he does in secret when no one sees it, and still less what he thinks, therefore the matter takes place according to the man‘s belief. But still it is really true that even ordinary spirits perceive a man’s thoughts better than does the man himself; angelic spirits still more interior things of his thoughts and angels things even more interior, namely, the causes and the ends, of which the man knows but little. It has been given me to know this by much and continual experience lasting many years. As spirits and angels perceive these things, what must be the case with the Lord, or Jehovah, who is infinite, and who gives to all their ability to perceive.
. And she said, From the face of Sarai, my mistress, am I fleeing. That this signifies response and indignation is evident from what has been said. Respecting the indignation see above at (verse 6), where the same words occur. As the "face" signifies the interiors (n. 358), so it signifies indignation and other things.
GENESIS 16:8previous
- next
- text
- summary
- Genesis
- Full Page