HAGAR AND THE GOD WHO SAW HER

 

Some of us might already have a negative view of Hagar even before reading her story. We know her as the proud mother of Ishmael, the other son of Abraham. Since Sarah was Abraham’s true wife and Isaac was the promised son, it’s not surprising for us to view them as the “heroes,” while Hagar and her son Ishmael become the “villains.” In a sense, that’s true. This leads many of us to disregard her story and ignore the truths it presents.

Because barrenness was a serious problem in ancient times, people had different ways to deal with it. Some resorted to polygyny (taking another wife of equal status), others to polycoity (having handmaids or concubines whose sole purpose was to bear an heir, like in Hagar’s case), and still other methods. Obviously, Hagar entered the scene because Abraham and Sarah (still Abram and Sarai at that time) couldn’t wait for God’s promise. They came up with their own strategy to “help” the Lord fulfill it (Gen. 16:2). Hagar did conceive, with Abram as the father. But it wasn’t just her belly that grew—her pride did too (v. 4). This angered Sarai, who even blamed Abram for the situation (vv. 5–6), though she herself was the mastermind! Sarai mistreated Hagar, Abram did nothing (v. 6). So Hagar ran away.

And this was where God met her.

When God found Hagar, she was the lowly, least, and lost. As Sarai’s slave, she had no say in what happened. She was treated harshly by her mistress. Abram, the father of her child, didn’t even protect her. She ran away from them without knowing where to go. That’s why she couldn’t even answer the angel of the Lord’s question about her destination. All she knew was that she needed to leave (vv. 7–8). She was a victim of both her own poor choices and of others’ wrongdoings. In her desperation, she encountered the Lord. She was told to return and was also given a promise (vv. 9–10). Through the angel, God instructed her to name her son “Ishmael,” which means “God hears,” because He heard her misery (v. 11). In return, out of gratitude, Hagar named the Lord “El Roi,” which means “The God who sees,” because He saw her in her suffering (v. 13). Later, Hagar would leave again when they drove her out (21:14). And once again, God met her where she was, to help her and remind her of His promise (vv. 17–20). Truly, God still saw Hagar. He remained her “El Roi.”

God’s concern for the lowly, least, and lost can be seen all throughout Scripture. He does not forget those who are suffering, abused, or astray. “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.” (Ps. 72:12). He is not only the God of Abraham, but also the God of Hagar. He is “El Roi,” who hears and sees the suffering of the unheard and unseen. “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” (Isa. 41:17). That’s why we see Christ’s concern for corrupt tax collectors, prostitutes, the poor, the sick, and those tormented by evil spirits. The lowly, least, and lost—Christ came for all of them.

May we all encounter the God-who-sees in the times we need Him the most. Stay Curious.