Hagar, the Egyptian Servant
(El’roi, that is, Yahweh/God is seeing)
When we read the story of Abram and Sarai, his wife, in the book of Genesis, we learn that Sarai and Abram were stricken in years before they had children. However, our Father made a covenant with Abram stating that he will have an heir from his seed, and would be great in number, dwell in the land of Canaan, and inherit great substance. However, Sarai was still barren, and decided to assist the process by inviting her servant, Hagar to have a child with Abram.
Hagar, the young Egyptian servant agreed to carry a child for Abram and his wife, Sarai. Thus, after Hagar was with child, Sarai notice that Hagar was despised in her eyes. As a result, Sarai dealt harshly with her, and Hagar immediately fled from her presence. After she fled, an angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness and said, “…Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? And whither wilt thou go? And she said I flee from the face of my mistress, Sarai.” And the angel of the LORD said, “…return to thy mistress…I will multiply seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude…thou art with child and shall bear a son and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.” Genesis 16:8-11. And Hagar did as she was instructed.
We can only imagine the pain that Hagar felt after handing over her only son to Abram and Sarai to raise as an Hebrew. We can only assume that she felt alone, out-of-place, unimportant, unappreciated, and unloved. For it was Hagar who went through the nine months of pregnancy, Hagar dealt with hormonal changes, Hagar endured the agony of delivery, Hagar bonded with that child inside of her, and we can only conclude that Hagar—loved her child.
Now, after the birth of Ishmael, most women can imagine that there would be tension over the years between the two women. And we can assume that tensions were rising. Let us not forget that Hagar was still Sarah’s servant. And now thereafter, nearly twelve years later, Sarah being ninety years old, has conceived and delivered a son, and called his name, Isaac.
And again we can only imagine the tension arising as each mother wants Abraham’s attention on her son. But Sarah would soon put an end to the tension by telling her husband to send them away. Imagine how Hagar felt when Abraham, after hearkening to the voice of his wife, Sarah, and confirming if with our Father; rose up early in the morning and sent Hagar and Ishmael away.
Now, let’s get a clear picture of this event: When most individuals plan a journey they take plenty of food, water, change of clothes and perhaps other essentials they may need along the way. But Abraham sent his son and Hagar away with bread and a bottle of water. He sent them to wander in the wilderness of Beer-sheba with bread and a bottle of water.
Imagine walking with your young son, in the hot, dry, wilderness, and now—your bottle of water is gone. You have no idea where you are going, and now you and your son, have just finished the last drop of water.
Thus, our Father was with them and watched over them; for on that day as it is written in Genesis 19:16 -19, the voice of Hagar says, “Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not; God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. 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.”
Now, we do not hear anymore regarding Hagar. We do not know if Hagar attended Sarah’s burial; we don’t know if she attended Abraham’s burial with her son, Ishmael; we do not know if Hagar had passed on prior. However, we do know that she was the first surrogate mother in the world. We do know that she had courage, sympathy, compassion, loyalty, and a remarkable strength. And we do know that it was Hagar that called the name of our Father, El’roi, that is, Yahweh/God is seeing.
And yes, our Father did see! Our Father is a remarkable Father who always provides for His children. Thus, Ishmael lived 137 years and as always, our Father kept his promise; He multiplied Ishmael exceedingly and made him a great nation.
Now, let’s remember that Abraham gave Hagar bread and a bottle of water for her journey, but keep in mind, that our Father gave her a well; and her son a great nation and multiplied him exceedingly.
For our Father was the all seeing God to Hagar and her son, Ishmael. And he kept them as the apple of his eye and kept his promise regarding Ishmael, who lived well into adulthood. And at the age of 137 he gave up the ghost.
Every situation of today, we can find in our Father’s letter to us. Sometimes decisions are made that contradict our Father’s plan, word or purpose. However, when we believe and humble ourselves before His will, grace, and mercy, He will watch over us, nurture us, and multiply us exceedingly great. We also learn from this brief account that our Father can do anything he chooses at any time He chooses; thus, he has certain times in which he chooses to do them.
At times we may want to speed the process or assist him if we can; however, our Father is the creator all by himself, does not need any help, nor are there other gods with him. When you let our Father direct your path, and guide your footsteps, everything will go according to his plan. Remember, our Father created the heavens, the earth, all creatures living in the land, and in the sea, and everything was—good!
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