The same words Peter uses are found in Genesis 16:9 in the angel’s address to Hagar. Hagar had fled from her mistress Sarai because of the contempt she experienced on account of her pregnancy. The angel told her to “return to your mistress and submit to her.” The Hebrew has, “And humble yourself under her hand.” Returning to her mistress would indeed involve a goodly measure of humility and remaining under her jurisdiction would equally involve a great measure of self-denial.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,