Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of The Opening of Hagar's Eyes

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of The Opening of Hagar's Eyes ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:

The account of the opening of Hagar's eyes is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 21:8-21. This narrative is a significant moment in the life of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, and her son Ishmael, the firstborn of Abraham. The event occurs after Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is weaned, leading to tensions between Sarah and Hagar.

Scriptural Account:

In Genesis 21:14-19 , the narrative unfolds as follows:

"Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said to herself, 'I cannot watch the boy die.' And as she sat there nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept.

God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Get up, 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."

The Miracle:

The miracle of the opening of Hagar's eyes is a profound demonstration of God's providence and care. In her moment of despair, when all seemed lost, God intervened by opening her eyes to see a well of water. This act not only provided physical sustenance for Hagar and Ishmael but also symbolized God's ongoing promise and faithfulness to Abraham's descendants.

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Providence: The miracle underscores the theme of divine providence. Despite being in a desolate wilderness, Hagar and Ishmael were not abandoned by God. The opening of her eyes to the well signifies God's provision and care for those in need.

2. God's Faithfulness: This event reaffirms God's faithfulness to His promises. Although Ishmael was not the child of promise like Isaac, God had promised to make him into a great nation (Genesis 21:13). The provision of water was a step in fulfilling that promise.

3. Human Desperation and Divine Intervention: Hagar's situation highlights human desperation and the need for divine intervention. Her inability to see the well until God opened her eyes illustrates the spiritual truth that often, in our distress, we are blind to God's provisions until He reveals them to us.

4. Symbolism of Water: Water, in biblical literature, often symbolizes life, sustenance, and spiritual refreshment. The well provided life-giving water, symbolizing God's ability to sustain and nurture His people even in the most challenging circumstances.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, wells were vital for survival, especially in arid regions like the wilderness of Beersheba. The presence of a well would have been a critical factor for sustaining life. Hagar's initial inability to see the well may reflect her emotional and physical exhaustion, emphasizing the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

Application for Believers:

The account of Hagar's eyes being opened serves as a reminder to believers of God's constant presence and provision. It encourages faith in God's promises and reassures that even in times of distress and apparent abandonment, God is near, ready to provide and guide. This narrative invites believers to trust in God's timing and to seek His guidance in moments of need, confident that He will open their eyes to His provisions.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:19
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
Nave's Topical Index