Genesis 16:7-167And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. 8And he 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. 9And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. 10And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. 12And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. 13And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? 14Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. 16And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram. (Genesis 16:7‑16)
“And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness... And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” 10:7,8.
A variety of types and figures come before us in the interesting and dramatic story. Among others, we see in Hagar a type of the Jewish nation, when yet under the law. They too were a rebellious people, turning their back on God long bore their Messiah came into the world “unto His own,” and they were seen at their worst when that blessed One was refused. Thus they left themselves in bondage, even as Hagar. She, as a type of Israel in bondage, was neither suited to be the mother of the child of promise nor to be at peace with those who were of the household of faith. In running away from the discipline of the home, she further portrayed the rebellion of the Jewish nation, determined to follow its own way and refuse God’s direction.
When the angel addressed Hagar he not only called her by name, but also declared her true position even though she sought to escape it, for his call was, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid.” Then came those two important questions: “Whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” The Word of God speaks with faithful solemnity to every wandering soul today, with questions of similar meaning. Perhaps our reader is one who has left home or surroundings where the truth of God and faithfulness to His Word has become tiresome. You thought to run away from it. But there is the further question: “Whither wilt thou go?” How solemn such a question is when considered not only in the light of present life, but of eternity as well! Do you know of a certainty what your destination is? “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 1:16:25. Yet we are told of a better way by Him who could say: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6). Yes, there is only one true Way, only one release from bondage, only one entrance to heaven; and that is through faith in Christ, the Saviour of sinners.
Although Hagar was wrong in running into the wilderness, God graciously provided a fountain of water for her. This is another type of the grace that tells us that in the midst of a spiritually barren and thirsty land in which we walk, it can be said of the Lord: “For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.” Psalms 36:99For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (Psalm 36:9).
“And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress... Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.” 10:9,11. The promise of a child includes the warning: “And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” verse 12.
Yet Hagar seemed to sense the ultimate goodness of God. The name of the well was called “Beer-lahai-roi,” meaning “The well of Him that liveth and seeth me.” Courage was given her, just as courage will be given an awakened Jewish remnant in the coming tribulation.
“And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.” verse 16.
ML 07/11/1965