בראשית, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ו׳

Following a tense confrontation between husband and wife, Abram grants Sarai full authority over Hagar. He clarifies the maidservant's legal and social status, establishing that despite her pregnancy, she was never granted her freedom. She remains Sarai's property in every respect, no different from any slave purchased with money [ספורנו, מלבי״ם, פני דוד]. While Hagar is considered a wife in relation to Abram, she remains strictly a maidservant in relation to Sarai [העמק דבר]. Abram’s response in this moment reveals a deep humility. Even though Sarai had just leveled harsh accusations against him, he does not react with anger. Instead, he speaks softly, setting aside his own honor [ביאור ישר, רד״ק]. Ultimately, he is willing to sacrifice his relationship with Hagar to preserve peace in his home [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. When giving Sarai permission to do what she sees fit, his intention is that she act with goodness and fairness, rather than malice [קונטרס חיבה יתירה].

However, Sarai uses this authority to treat Hagar harshly. The primary approach among commentators is that Sarai forced Hagar into unnaturally difficult labor, possibly even cursing and striking her [רש״י, מזרחי, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests the affliction was psychological, with Sarai constantly reminding Hagar of her inferior, dependent status [רש״ר הירש].

This treatment sparks a sharp moral debate. A highly critical view argues that Sarai sinned by acting without basic morality or piety, and that Abram shared in this guilt by allowing it to happen. As a historical consequence for this mistreatment, God heard Hagar’s suffering and granted her a son whose descendants would later inflict terrible suffering upon the children of Abraham and Sarah [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, רד״ק]. Conversely, other commentators defend Sarai, arguing that her actions were necessary to break Hagar’s arrogance. The strict treatment was intended to correct Hagar's behavior, forcing her to recognize her enslaved status and stop showing disrespect to her mistress [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה]. Furthermore, because Hagar had initiated the conflict by belittling Sarai, some argue that Sarai was legally justified in returning the treatment and causing her distress [ריב״א, ברטנורא].

Unable to endure the situation, Hagar ultimately runs away. Her flight is driven by a profound internal transformation. Her physical closeness to Abram and the child she carried had awakened a new sense of self-respect and a deep desire for freedom. No longer able to tolerate being treated as a maidservant completely stripped of her rights, she breaks her chains and escapes [רש״ר הירש].