Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, wells often serve as significant locations for divine encounters and pivotal events. One such instance involves Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), the wife of Abram (later Abraham). Hagar's account is intricately connected to a well, marking a moment of divine intervention and revelation.Hagar's Flight and the Well of the Angel The account of Hagar and the well is found in Genesis 16. Sarai, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abram as a concubine to produce an heir. When Hagar conceives, tensions arise between her and Sarai, leading to Hagar's harsh treatment and eventual flight into the wilderness. In her distress, Hagar encounters the Angel of the LORD by a spring of water in the desert, identified as "the spring on the way to Shur" (Genesis 16:7). This location is significant as it represents a place of refuge and divine encounter. The Angel of the LORD speaks to Hagar, instructing her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, while also delivering a profound promise regarding her offspring: "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10). Hagar responds to this divine encounter by naming 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 is subsequently named Beer-lahai-roi, meaning "the well of the Living One who sees me," underscoring the significance of God's awareness and care for Hagar in her plight. Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness Hagar's association with wells continues in Genesis 21, after the birth of Isaac, when tensions again arise, leading to Hagar and her son Ishmael being sent away. Wandering in the wilderness of Beersheba, they run out of water, and Hagar, in despair, distances herself from Ishmael, not wanting to witness his death. In this moment of desperation, God hears the boy's cries, and the Angel of God calls to Hagar from heaven, reassuring her of God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation. God then opens Hagar's eyes, and she sees a well of water, providing the necessary sustenance for her and her son (Genesis 21:17-19). This well signifies God's provision and faithfulness, even in the direst circumstances. Theological Significance The wells associated with Hagar highlight themes of divine providence, care, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Hagar's encounters at these wells reveal God's attentiveness to the marginalized and His commitment to His covenant promises, even extending them to those outside the immediate covenant family. These narratives underscore the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and compassion, as He intervenes in human history to accomplish His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:19And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Here Followeth the Life of Abraham Chapter xxi On the Baptism of Christ. What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ... Israel's Hope; Or, the Centre of the Target The Waterer Watered Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Resources What does the Bible say about human rights? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be opposed to globalization? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous Wells of the Ordinances of the Church Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies Wells: (A Fruitful Bough By) of Joseph's Numerous Posterity Wells: (Drinking from One's Own) of Enjoyment of Domestic Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites Wells: Flgurative of Salvation Wells: Flgurative without Water Wells: Frequented by Travellers Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon Wells: Often Afforded No Water Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold Related Terms |
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