Definition: And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 16:8. It’s a really important passage that speaks about God’s plan for Abraham and his family. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: God is creating the world. He wants to provide a place for humanity to live, and he wants to bless Abraham with a great family. This verse describes a moment where God is looking at Sarah (Abraham’s wife) and asking her about someone who’s come to visit. Here's a breakdown: “And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” This is God speaking directly to Sarah. He's asking her, "Where did you come from?" and “Where are you going?” It’s a question of origin – where she is now. “and she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.” This is what Sarah responds with. She says that she’s running away from her mistress, Sarai. What does this tell us? This verse is a key part of God's plan for Abraham and his descendants. Here’s what it suggests: God wants to protect his chosen people: Sarah is the mother of Abraham and all the patriarchs of the Jewish people. God wants to ensure that these families are safe and prosperous. He’s setting up a future family: This encounter with Sarah is like a sign that God is working in a way that will lead to a large and blessed family – one that will become a powerful nation. It's about God's plan: It's not just about Sarah visiting; it’s because of her that God starts the process of creating the world, providing a place for humanity, and establishing a lineage that will endure through generations. In essence, this verse highlights God's purposeful creation and His desire to bless Abraham and his family. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 16? Discuss the significance of this verse in a broader context (like its symbolism)?