Hagar’s story in the Bible is full of emotion, struggle, and divine intervention. She is often remembered as the servant of Sarah and the mother of Ishmael. But her story is much more than that. Hagar was a woman who encountered God personally and was part of His greater plan.
1. Hagar Was an Egyptian Slave
Hagar was originally from Egypt. She became the maidservant of Sarah, the wife of Abraham.
Genesis 16:1 – “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar.”
This shows that Hagar was not of the same nation or faith as Abraham and Sarah. She was likely brought from Egypt during Abraham’s earlier travels (Genesis 12:10).
2. She Was Given to Abraham to Bear a Child
Sarah, unable to have children, gave Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate wife to produce an heir.
Genesis 16:2 – “So she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.’”
This practice was common in ancient cultures, but it brought tension and heartache.
3. Hagar Became Pregnant with Ishmael
When Hagar conceived, her relationship with Sarah quickly changed.
Genesis 16:4 – “When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.”
Hagar may have felt proud or more valued because she could do what Sarah could not—have a child.
4. Hagar Fled Into the Wilderness
Due to mistreatment by Sarah, Hagar ran away into the desert.
Genesis 16:6 – “Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.”
This act shows Hagar’s desperation. She was a pregnant slave girl fleeing into the unknown.
5. She Was the First Person in the Bible to See an Angel
An angel of the Lord found Hagar by a spring and spoke to her.
Genesis 16:7 – “The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert...”
Hagar is the first recorded person in Scripture to receive a direct encounter with “the angel of the Lord.”
6. Hagar Named God “El Roi”
After her encounter with God, Hagar gave Him the name “El Roi,” meaning “the God who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13 – “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’”
This is the only time in Scripture where a human gives a name to God.
7. Ishmael’s Name Was Given by God
The angel told Hagar to name her son Ishmael, which means “God hears.”
Genesis 16:11 – “You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.”
God was not distant from Hagar’s pain—He heard and responded.
8. Hagar Was Sent Away a Second Time
Years later, after Isaac was born to Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away permanently.
Genesis 21:14 – “Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar... Then he sent her off with the boy.”
Though painful, this moment fulfilled God’s larger plan.
9. God Protected Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness
When Hagar feared that her son would die from lack of water, God intervened again.
Genesis 21:19 – “Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.”
God’s provision saved both their lives and showed His ongoing care.
10. Ishmael Became a Great Nation
God kept His promise to Hagar by making Ishmael into a great nation.
Genesis 21:18 – “Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
Ishmael became the ancestor of many Arab peoples. Hagar’s son had a lasting legacy.
Summary Table
| Fact | Reference | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Hagar was Egyptian | Genesis 16:1 | She was not part of Abraham’s family by blood |
| Given to Abraham | Genesis 16:2 | Sarah's plan caused lasting conflict |
| Became pregnant | Genesis 16:4 | Her pregnancy shifted the household dynamic |
| Fled into desert | Genesis 16:6 | Hagar faced isolation and fear |
| Saw an angel | Genesis 16:7 | First human in the Bible to do so |
| Named God El Roi | Genesis 16:13 | Unique and personal revelation |
| Ishmael named by God | Genesis 16:11 | God hears the cries of the oppressed |
| Sent away again | Genesis 21:14 | A second painful departure |
| God provided water | Genesis 21:19 | Divine care in the wilderness |
| Ishmael became a nation | Genesis 21:18 | God fulfilled His promise |
