What does Genesis 16:8 mean?
Hagar, an Egyptian servant girl pregnant with Abram's first child (Genesis 16:4), is on the run from the mistreatment of Sarai, Abram's first wife (Genesis 16:6). Sarai and Abram have attempted to speed up God's promises by seeking a child through Hagar. Unfortunately, Hagar's new status as Abram's wife and her immediate pregnancy create friction. Specifically, Hagar has become contemptuous towards Sarai, resulting in no small measure of revenge. Sarai begins to "deal harshly" with Hagar.In running away, Hagar is most likely heading back to her homeland in Egypt (Genesis 12:15–16; 16:1). Along the way, the "angel of the Lord" finds her at a spring beside the road. He immediately identifies that he knows her, addressing her as Hagar, the servant of Sarai. He asks where she has come from and where she is going, things he likely already knows, as well.
Hagar answers honestly. She is fleeing from Sarai. The "angel of Yahweh," which seems to be the Lord Himself (Genesis 16:10, 13), will have some surprising instructions and prophecies for Hagar in the following verses.