Lahai-Roi is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), the wife of Abram (later Abraham). This site is intimately connected with divine encounters and the unfolding of God's promises to Abram and his descendants.

Biblical Context:

The account of Lahai-Roi is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 16. Hagar, who was given to Abram by Sarai to bear a child due to Sarai's barrenness, found herself in a difficult situation. After conceiving, Hagar faced harsh treatment from Sarai, leading her to flee into the wilderness.

Divine Encounter:

While in the wilderness, Hagar encountered the Angel of the LORD by a spring of water. This spring is identified as being on the way to Shur. The Angel of the LORD spoke to Hagar, instructing her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority. The angel also delivered a profound promise regarding her unborn son, Ishmael, stating, "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10).

Naming of the Well:

In response to this divine encounter, Hagar named the LORD who spoke to her, "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "Here I have seen the One who sees me" (Genesis 16:13). The well where this encounter took place was subsequently named Beer-lahai-roi, which means "Well of the Living One who sees me."

Geographical and Theological Significance:

Lahai-Roi is located in the Negev region, south of Canaan. It is later mentioned in Genesis 24:62 and Genesis 25:11 as a dwelling place of Isaac, Abraham's son. The well at Lahai-Roi serves as a symbol of God's providence and care, highlighting His attentiveness to the plight of the marginalized and His faithfulness to His promises.

Legacy:

The account of Hagar at Lahai-Roi underscores themes of divine compassion and the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises. It illustrates God's omniscience and His ability to see and respond to human suffering. The narrative also foreshadows the complex relationships and destinies of the descendants of Abraham, including both Isaac and Ishmael.

Lahai-Roi remains a testament to the belief in a personal and relational God who intervenes in human history, offering guidance, hope, and assurance to those who seek Him.Genesis 16:7-14
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xvi
... independent, refused to accept correction and "fled from her ... well came to be called
Beer-lahai-roi (a well ... The experience of Hagar became known, and, in memory ...
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