Hagar and the God Who Saw Her

Sarah sends Hagar away. Cropped image. James Tissot (1836-1902) – The Jewish Museum, New York. – Slide 14. Via Freebibleimages.org

     Hagar was a servant in Abram and Sarai’s household. When Sarai had no child, she gave Hagar to Abram so that he might have a child through her (Gen 16:1–2, NKJV). After Hagar conceived, the text says, “her mistress became despised in her eyes” (v. 4). This likely refers to a change in how Hagar regarded Sarai. Perhaps she began to see herself as the one who succeeded where Sarai had not. In a time when childbearing was seen as a sign of honor, Hagar may have thought she now held more value. Sarai noticed it and responded with harshness (v. 6). Then Hagar fled.

    She went toward Shur, which was a wilderness region on the way to Egypt (Gen 16:7). The Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He called her by name and asked where she came from and where she was going. She answered that she was fleeing from her mistress, Sarai. The Angel told her to return and submit. He also gave her a promise, that she would bear a son and call him Ishmael, “because the Lord has heard your affliction” (v. 11). She then called the Lord El Roi, meaning You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees (v. 13). She recognized that the Lord had seen her and had not turned away.

    Later, when Isaac was born, Sarah asked Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away (Gen 21:10). Abraham did what she asked. Hagar departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was used up, she placed her son under one of the shrubs and sat at a distance, saying she could not watch him die (v. 16). God heard the voice of the lad and called to Hagar from heaven. He told her not to fear. Then He opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water (v. 19). Ishmael survived and grew in the wilderness, just as the Lord had said.

    There are many things we may consider in Hagar’s life. She was not given a choice when she was placed in Abram’s household. She was not invited to become part of the covenant. She was used, then dismissed. But the Lord spoke to her directly. He heard her affliction and gave her a promise and provided what was necessary.

    Her story may speak to women who have walked through rejection or misuse. Some may have felt replaced. Others may have been removed from relationships or roles without an ounce of care. Still others may be raising children with little support. Hagar's life shows that God is not bound by how others treat us. His mercy does not depend on human status. He can meet us in forgotten places, and He does not ignore affliction.

    We may also reflect on the way He responded. He did not first correct her; He gave her direction. He told her to return, and He gave her a word about the child in her womb. When she was later cast out, He spoke again. The promise concerning Ishmael did not fail. The Lord was present in both moments of loss.

    We may not understand why we have been placed in difficult situations. But Hagar's story teaches that the Lord is not distant. He sees, He hears, and He helps.