Genesis 16:13
So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Hagar’s declaration, “You are a God of seeing,” isn’t just a statement of God’s omniscience; it's a profound recognition that God’s gaze is not distant or uncaring, but actively sees and intervenes in her personal suffering and desperate situation. The phrase "looked after him who looks after me" reveals her wonder that she, in her lowliness and flight, has not only been seen but has also had the opportunity to truly see and understand God in return.
After fleeing from Sarai’s harsh treatment, Hagar encounters the Angel of the Lord in the wilderness, who instructs her to return and promises to multiply her offspring. In response to this divine encounter and promise, Hagar blesses God, acknowledging His watchful care over her even in her desperate situation.
When Hagar fled from Sarai, she found herself alone and desperate in the wilderness. Yet, it was in this lowest moment that God's presence became most real to her.
Hagar's cry, 'You are a God of seeing,' isn't just a statement of God's omniscience. It's a declaration born from personal experience.
A God Who Pursues
When Hagar ran away, she thought she was escaping her problems. But the Angel of the LORD found her by a spring on the way to Shur. God didn't wait for her to come back; He went to her. This shows that God actively seeks out those who are lost and suffering.
Seeing in Desolation
Hagar felt unseen and alone in her distress. Her designation of God as 'a God of seeing' highlights that in her utter desolation, she experienced God's attentive gaze. He saw her affliction, her pain, and her need.
Hagar’s surprised question, 'Have I also here looked after him who looks after me?' reveals a deeper truth about God's interaction with humanity.
The phrase 'looked after him who looks after me' is more than just a clever wordplay. It signifies Hagar's dawning understanding that God's seeing is not passive observation but active engagement and care.
Divine Providence in Action
Hagar's situation was dire. She had fled her mistress, was alone in the wilderness, and pregnant. Yet, God didn't just see her; He intervened. He gave her specific instructions and made profound promises about her son's future.
A Glimpse of God's Character
This encounter wasn't just about Hagar's circumstances; it was a revelation of God's character. He is not distant or indifferent. He sees suffering and responds with compassion and purpose. Hagar's experience points to a God who not only witnesses our lives but actively participates in them.
Understand the original words
El Ro'i · Hebrew Proper Noun/Title
A descriptive designation given to God by Hagar, meaning "God of sight" or "the God who sees me," emphasizing God’s omniscience and His personal care for the individual, even in exile or distress.
Hagar's encounter in the desolate wilderness highlights that God's presence and providence are not confined to comfortable settings or human plans, but extend to those in their deepest distress and perceived abandonment.
c. 2090 BC
Abram and Sarai settle in Canaan
Following God's call, Abram and Sarai move to the land of Canaan, where they will eventually establish their lineage. This sets the stage for God's covenant promises.
c. 2080 BC
Sarai gives Hagar to Abram
After ten years in Canaan with no children, Sarai, in a moment of impatience, gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram as a wife. This act, though intended to fulfill God's promise, introduces conflict.
c. 2079 BC
Hagar conceives and despises Sarai
Hagar becomes pregnant, leading to her demeaning Sarai. This escalation of tension causes Hagar to flee from Sarai's harsh treatment.
c. 2079 BC— this verse
Angel finds Hagar in the wilderness
The Angel of the LORD encounters Hagar by a spring on the road to Shur. He asks about her origins and destination, then instructs her to return to her mistress and submit.
This passage echoes Hagar's realization by showing God's direct knowledge and care for individuals in distress, stating, 'I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' God reveals Himself as intimately involved in their lives, much like He does to Hagar in her wilderness.
Psalm 139:1-12The psalmist’s reflection on God's omnipresence and constant awareness of his actions mirrors Hagar's awe. Verses like 'Where can I flee from your presence?' speak to the inescapable nature of God's sight, affirming Hagar's declaration, 'You are a God of seeing.'
Isaiah 41:10This verse offers a promise of divine strength and help, similar to the comfort Hagar received. It reassures believers that God sees them and will strengthen and uphold them, echoing Hagar's discovery of God's watchful care in her desolate situation.
Matthew 18:10Jesus’ words, 'See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven,' highlight the constant attention God's heavenly beings give to even the most vulnerable. This connects to Hagar's encounter with an angel who recognized her and her plight.
1 Peter 5:7gillGenesis 16:13: "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?"
And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her,.... Either she called on the name of the Lord, and prayed unto him, that he would forgive her sin and give her some fresh tokens of his love; and also gave him thanks for his gracious regards unto her, that he should look upon, and look after so mean a creature, and such a backslider a…
clarkeGenesis 16:13: "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?"
And she called the name of the Lord - She invoked (ותקרא vattikra) the name of Jehovah who spake unto her, thus: Thou God seest me! She found that the eye of a merciful God had been upon her in all her wanderings and afflictions; and her words seem to intimate that she had been seeking the Divine help and protection, for she says, Have I al…
Hagar’s declaration, “You are a God of seeing,” isn’t just a statement of God’s omniscience; it's a profound recognition that God’s gaze is not distant or uncaring, but actively sees and intervenes in her personal suffering and desperate situation. The phrase "looked after him who looks after me" reveals her wonder that she, in her lowliness and flight, has not only been seen but has also had the opportunity to truly see and understand God in return.
After fleeing from Sarai’s harsh treatment, Hagar encounters the Angel of the Lord in the wilderness, who instructs her to return and promises to multiply her offspring. In response to this divine encounter and promise, Hagar blesses God, acknowledging His watchful care over her even in her desperate situation.
After fleeing from Sarai’s harsh treatment, Hagar encounters the Angel of the Lord in the wilderness, who instructs her to return and promises to multiply her offspring. In response to this divine encounter and promise, Hagar blesses God, acknowledging His watchful care over her even in her desperate situation.
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c. 2079 BC
Angel promises Hagar many descendants
The angel prophesies that Hagar will bear a son, Ishmael, whose descendants will be numerous and live in conflict. He assures her God has heard her affliction.
c. 2079 BC
Hagar names God 'El Roi'
Overwhelmed, Hagar names the place and acknowledges the LORD as 'El Roi' (a God of Seeing), recognizing His watchful care even in her distress and wilderness exile.
c. 2079 BC
Hagar gives birth to Ishmael
Hagar bears Abram a son, Ishmael, fulfilling the angel's prophecy. Abram is eighty-six years old at this time.
This passage directly connects to Hagar's experience by urging believers to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them. Hagar’s acknowledgment of God's seeing eye came after she cast her anxieties into the wilderness, and God responded with care.
"So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”" — Hagar’s declaration, “You are a God of seeing,” isn’t just a statement of God’s omniscience; it's a profound recognition that God’s gaze is not distant or uncaring, but actively sees and intervenes…
