Genesis16_12-16

Genesis 16:12-16

And 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.

And 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?

Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

God not only told Hagar that she would bear a son, but also revealed her son’s future and destiny. Her son would live a life marked by conflict and hostility, with continual strife surrounding him. At the same time, God established the boundary of his activity: he would dwell in the presence of all his brothers. This also indicated that Abram would have more than two sons.

After God spoke, Hagar received further revelation that God was the One who had manifested Himself to her. She came to know God through His word and His promises. She also desired to meet God again, and therefore named the well Beer-lahai-roi, which in Hebrew means “the Living God who sees me.” After this encounter, she returned to her master and submitted herself under the hand of her mistress.

It is evident that Hagar testified to Abram about her encounter with God. As a result, Abram named his son Ishmael. At that time, Abram was eighty‑six years old. This also shows that Abram still had the natural ability to father a child, whereas Sarai likely had a long‑standing problem with conceiving. For this reason, the account highlights the miraculous power of God Elohim, who restores and enables the one who cannot bear children.

On the one hand, this record shows us the natural biological laws. On the other hand, it leads us to recognize the miracle performed by God Elohim.