Genesis 16:6
“But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.”
KJV
Read in Genesis 16Meaning
Abram tells Sarai that Hagar is in her power; Sarai treats Hagar harshly, and Hagar flees from her presence.
Read carefully
The narrative records harsh treatment but does not authorize abuse. Hagar's flight should keep attention on the danger faced by the less powerful person.
Reflection
Possessing social authority never makes cruelty righteous; power is morally tested by how it treats those who have fewer choices.