Topical Bible: God: Preserver: To Hagar, when Abraham Cast Her Out

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In the narrative of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, we witness a profound demonstration of God as the Preserver. This account is found in the Book of Genesis, where Hagar's account unfolds amidst the complexities of Abraham's household. Hagar, who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael, finds herself in a dire situation when Sarah demands her expulsion.

The Context of Hagar's Distress

The tension in Abraham's household reaches a climax in Genesis 21:8-14. After the birth of Isaac, the son of promise, Sarah observes Ishmael mocking Isaac during a celebration. In response, Sarah insists that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, declaring, "Cast out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac" (Genesis 21:10). Abraham is deeply distressed by this demand, as Ishmael is also his son. However, God reassures Abraham, instructing him to heed Sarah's words, for through Isaac the promise would be fulfilled, yet also promising that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 21:12-13).

God's Preservation in the Wilderness

Hagar and Ishmael are sent away with minimal provisions, wandering in the wilderness of Beersheba. When their water is depleted, Hagar, in despair, places Ishmael under a shrub and distances herself, unable to witness her son's suffering. In her anguish, she weeps, and it is here that God's role as Preserver is vividly illustrated.

Genesis 21:17-19 recounts, "God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called 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. Arise, lift up the boy and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.' 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."

Divine Intervention and Promise

In this moment of divine intervention, God not only provides for their immediate physical needs by revealing a well of water but also reiterates His promise concerning Ishmael's future. God's preservation of Hagar and Ishmael underscores His faithfulness and compassion, even towards those who might seem marginalized or cast aside by human standards.

Theological Implications

The account of Hagar and Ishmael highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, it demonstrates God's attentiveness to the cries of the afflicted and His willingness to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations. Secondly, it affirms God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances appear dire. Lastly, it reveals God's inclusive care, extending His preservation beyond the chosen line of Isaac to encompass Ishmael, thus foreshadowing the broader scope of God's redemptive plan.

In the account of Hagar, God is revealed as the Preserver, a divine protector who hears, sees, and provides, ensuring the survival and future of those who call upon Him in their distress.

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Genesis 21:17,19
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, What ails you, Hagar? fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.
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Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church.
... That JEHOVAH GOD, the Creator and Preserver of heaven ... evident from the angels seen
by Abraham, Hagar, Gideon, Daniel ... Lord Jesus Christ to be God, the Redeemer ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/swedenborgians or the new jerusalem.htm