Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. Then God opened her eyesThis phrase signifies a divine intervention where God enables Hagar to perceive a solution to her dire situation. The Hebrew word for "opened" is "פָּקַח" (paqach), which often implies a revelation or enlightenment. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as God providing insight or understanding that was previously hidden. Historically, this moment underscores God's compassion and provision, even for those outside the covenant community, as Hagar was an Egyptian servant. It serves as a reminder that God is attentive to the cries of all who are in distress. and she saw a well of water
The "well of water" is a symbol of life and sustenance, especially in the arid desert where Hagar and her son, Ishmael, found themselves. The Hebrew word for "well" is "בְּאֵר" (be'er), which is often associated with God's provision and blessing throughout the Old Testament. Wells were critical for survival in ancient times, and finding one would have been a miraculous provision for Hagar. This moment can be seen as a foreshadowing of the living water that Jesus offers in the New Testament, representing spiritual sustenance and eternal life. So she went and filled the skin with water
This action demonstrates Hagar's immediate response to God's provision. The "skin" refers to a container made from animal hide, commonly used in ancient times to store and transport liquids. The act of filling the skin signifies preparation and readiness to sustain life. It reflects a practical response to divine provision, emphasizing the importance of human action in cooperation with God's blessings. This teaches believers the importance of being proactive in utilizing the resources God provides. and gave the boy a drink
This phrase highlights Hagar's maternal care and responsibility. The act of giving Ishmael a drink is not only a physical provision but also an act of love and nurturing. In the broader biblical narrative, water often symbolizes life, refreshment, and the Holy Spirit. By giving Ishmael a drink, Hagar is participating in God's provision and ensuring the continuation of life. This moment can inspire believers to recognize their role in nurturing and caring for others, especially in times of need, reflecting God's love and provision through their actions. Persons / Places / Events 1. HagarAn Egyptian servant of Sarah, mother of Ishmael. She finds herself in the wilderness with her son, facing despair and hopelessness. 2. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar, who is with his mother in the desert, suffering from thirst. 3. GodThe divine being who intervenes by opening Hagar's eyes to see the well, demonstrating His provision and care. 4. The Wilderness of BeershebaThe location where Hagar and Ishmael find themselves, a place of desolation and testing. 5. The Well of WaterA symbol of God's provision and sustenance, representing life and hope in a dire situation. Teaching Points God's Provision in DesperationJust as God opened Hagar's eyes to see the well, He can provide for us in our times of need. We must trust in His timing and provision. Spiritual Blindness and Divine RevelationOften, we are blind to God's provisions around us. We should pray for spiritual insight to recognize His blessings and guidance. The Importance of Faith in God's PromisesHagar's account reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. God's Care for the OutcastHagar and Ishmael were cast out, yet God cared for them. This teaches us about God's love for all, regardless of status or situation. The Role of Prayer in Seeking God's HelpIn moments of despair, turning to God in prayer can open our eyes to His solutions and provisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's provision for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness encourage you in your current life challenges? 2. In what ways can you relate the opening of Hagar's eyes to see the well to moments in your life where you needed divine insight? 3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to trust in God's provision, as taught in Matthew 6:31-33? 5. How can you apply the lesson of God's care for the outcast in your interactions with others in your community? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16The initial account of Hagar and Ishmael, where God first promises to make Ishmael a great nation, showing His ongoing care and plan for them. John 4The account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, where Jesus speaks of living water, drawing a parallel to God's provision of physical and spiritual sustenance. Psalm 23The imagery of God as a shepherd who provides for His flock, leading them to still waters, reflecting His guidance and care. Isaiah 41:17-18God's promise to provide water for the needy, reinforcing His role as a provider and sustainer. Matthew 6:31-33Jesus' teaching on not worrying about physical needs, as God knows and provides for them, similar to His provision for Hagar and Ishmael. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Bottle, Boy, Causeth, Drink, Filled, Filleth, Flask, Got, Lad, Open, Opened, Openeth, Skin, Water-spring, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:19 5134 blindness, natural
5234 bottle Genesis 21:14-19 4293 water Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:19 NIVGenesis 21:19 NLTGenesis 21:19 ESVGenesis 21:19 NASBGenesis 21:19 KJV
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