Topical Bible: Sorrow: God Takes Notice of Hagar's

◄ Sorrow: God Takes Notice of Hagar's ►

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Hagar is a poignant example of God's compassion and attentiveness to human sorrow. Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant to Sarai (later Sarah), becomes a central figure in the unfolding drama of God's promise to Abram (later Abraham). Her account is primarily found in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21, where her experiences of sorrow and divine intervention are detailed.

Genesis 16: The Flight into the Wilderness

Hagar's initial encounter with sorrow begins in Genesis 16. Sarai, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abram as a wife in hopes of obtaining offspring through her. When Hagar conceives, tensions arise between her and Sarai, leading to Hagar's mistreatment. In her distress, Hagar flees into the wilderness. It is here, in her moment of despair, that God takes notice of her sorrow.

The Angel of the LORD finds Hagar by a spring of water in the desert and addresses her with compassion. He acknowledges her plight and instructs her to return to Sarai, promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count. The Angel also reveals that she will bear a son, Ishmael, whose name means "God hears," signifying that the LORD has heard her affliction. Genesis 16:13 records Hagar's response: "So she called the name of 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.'" . This encounter highlights God's awareness and care for those in distress, even when they are marginalized or oppressed.

Genesis 21: The Expulsion and God's Provision

Hagar's sorrow is revisited in Genesis 21, after the birth of Isaac, the son of promise to Abraham and Sarah. Tensions resurface, and Sarah demands that Abraham send Hagar and her son Ishmael away. Abraham is distressed by this demand, but God reassures him, telling him to listen to Sarah, for through Isaac the promise will be fulfilled. Nevertheless, God also promises to make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham's offspring.

Hagar and Ishmael wander in the wilderness of Beersheba, where they soon run out of water. In her despair, Hagar places Ishmael under a shrub and distances herself, unwilling to witness his death. In this moment of profound sorrow, God intervenes once more. Genesis 21:17-18 states, "God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is wrong, 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.'" . God opens Hagar's eyes to a well of water, providing for their immediate needs and reaffirming His promise concerning Ishmael.

Theological Implications

Hagar's account is a testament to God's attentiveness to human sorrow and His willingness to intervene in the lives of those who are suffering. It underscores the biblical theme that God is a compassionate and seeing God, who hears the cries of the afflicted and provides for their needs. Hagar, an outsider and a servant, is not beyond the reach of God's care, illustrating the inclusive nature of God's love and concern.

Moreover, the narrative of Hagar and Ishmael serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the complexities and human failings within the account, God's purposes prevail, and His promises to both Isaac and Ishmael are fulfilled. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God's plans are sovereign and His compassion extends to all, regardless of their status or circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:17-20
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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