Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Hagar, in the Wilderness

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The appearances of angels in the Bible often serve as pivotal moments in the narrative, providing divine guidance, protection, or revelation. One such significant encounter occurs with Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), in the wilderness. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis and highlights the compassionate intervention of God through His messenger.

Context and Background

Hagar's story unfolds in Genesis 16 and 21. She was an Egyptian servant to Sarai, the wife of Abram (later Abraham). Due to Sarai's barrenness, she gave Hagar to Abram as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. When Hagar conceived, tensions arose between her and Sarai, leading to Hagar's flight into the wilderness.

First Angelic Appearance: Genesis 16:7-13

The first angelic encounter occurs after Hagar flees from Sarai's harsh treatment. The angel of the LORD finds her by a spring of water in the desert, on the road to Shur. This encounter is significant as it marks the first appearance of the "angel of the LORD" in the biblical narrative.

The angel addresses Hagar by name, acknowledging her status and situation: "Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" (Genesis 16:8). This question not only recognizes her plight but also invites her to reflect on her circumstances.

The angel instructs Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, promising her a future filled with divine blessing: "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10). The angel further reveals that she will bear a son, Ishmael, whose name means "God hears," signifying that the LORD has heard her affliction.

Hagar responds to this divine encounter by acknowledging the LORD's presence, calling Him "El Roi," meaning "the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13). This name reflects her recognition of God's awareness and care for her, even in her distress.

Second Angelic Appearance: Genesis 21:17-19

The second angelic appearance occurs after Hagar and her son Ishmael are sent away by Abraham at Sarah's insistence. Wandering in the wilderness of Beersheba, they run out of water, and Hagar, in despair, distances herself from her son to avoid witnessing his death.

In this moment of desperation, God hears the boy's cries, and the angel of God calls to Hagar from heaven: "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies" (Genesis 21:17). The angel reassures her of God's promise to make Ishmael into a great nation and opens her eyes to a well of water, providing the means for their survival.

Theological Significance

The angelic appearances to Hagar underscore several key theological themes. Firstly, they highlight God's compassion and care for the marginalized and oppressed. Despite Hagar's status as a servant and foreigner, God sees her affliction and intervenes on her behalf.

Secondly, these encounters emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises. The angel's messages to Hagar affirm the divine commitment to bless and multiply her offspring, aligning with God's broader covenantal promises to Abraham.

Lastly, the narrative illustrates the personal nature of God's relationship with individuals. Hagar's recognition of God as "El Roi" reflects a profound understanding of God's intimate knowledge and concern for her personal circumstances.

In conclusion, the angelic appearances to Hagar in the wilderness serve as powerful reminders of God's attentive presence and faithfulness, offering hope and assurance to those in distress. These encounters reveal the divine character as one who hears, sees, and acts on behalf of His creation.

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Genesis 16:7
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
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Library

The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua.
... a measure of the gifts of the Spirit of God ... in order that every thought of a lower
angel may be ... then, contains the indication, that such appearances must only ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the angel of the lord.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... and earthy professor, your detection is sure; appearances that deceive ... We need no
splendid angel nor hideous demon to ... and old; the fruits of the Spirit are in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... nature too; 'for the law of the spirit of life ... was clothed with filthy garments,
and stood before the angel. ... from place to place into the wilderness among the ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm