Introduction

Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant to Sarai, the wife of Abram, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative found in Genesis 16. Her account is a profound testament to God's providence and care for the marginalized and oppressed. Hagar's flight and subsequent divine encounter reveal themes of human frailty, divine promise, and God's attentive presence.

Background

Hagar enters the biblical narrative as Sarai's maidservant. Sarai, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abram as a wife in hopes of obtaining offspring through her. This decision reflects the ancient Near Eastern customs of surrogate motherhood. Genesis 16:2 records Sarai's words to Abram: "Please go to my maidservant. Perhaps I can build a family by her." Abram consents, and Hagar conceives.

Hagar's Flight

Upon conceiving, Hagar's relationship with Sarai becomes strained. Genesis 16:4 notes, "When she saw that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress." Sarai, feeling wronged, mistreats Hagar, leading to Hagar's flight into the wilderness. This act of fleeing highlights Hagar's desperation and vulnerability as a foreigner and a servant.

Divine Encounter

In the wilderness, Hagar encounters the Angel of the LORD by a spring of water. This encounter is pivotal, as it marks the first appearance of the Angel of the LORD in Scripture. The Angel addresses Hagar by name, asking, "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" (Genesis 16:8). This question underscores God's personal knowledge and concern for Hagar's plight.

The Angel instructs Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, promising, "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10). This promise mirrors the covenantal language used with Abram, indicating that God's blessing extends beyond the chosen line to include Hagar and her descendants.

Naming of Ishmael

The Angel of the LORD also reveals the destiny of Hagar's unborn son, instructing her to name him Ishmael, meaning "God hears," because "the LORD has heard your affliction" (Genesis 16:11). This name serves as a perpetual reminder of God's attentiveness to human suffering and His willingness to intervene.

Hagar's Response

In response to this divine encounter, Hagar acknowledges God's presence, calling Him "El Roi," meaning "the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13). This declaration is significant, as it reflects Hagar's recognition of God's intimate awareness and care. The well where this encounter occurs is named Beer-lahai-roi, meaning "the well of the Living One who sees me," further memorializing the event.

Significance

Hagar's account is a powerful narrative of God's grace and faithfulness. Despite her status as an outsider and a servant, Hagar is seen and heard by God, illustrating His compassion for all people. Her encounter with the divine serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring hope and promise even in the midst of human conflict and suffering.