“And 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.”
In this verse, Hagar had fled from Sarah’s mistreatment and found herself in the wilderness. An angel of the Lord appeared to her and delivered a message. The angel revealed to Hagar that she was pregnant and would give birth to a son. Furthermore, she was instructed to name her son Ishmael. The reason for this name was explained as being rooted in the Lord’s awareness of Hagar’s affliction.
This verse highlights several important aspects:
- God’s Awareness and Care: The verse emphasizes that the Lord was fully aware of Hagar’s difficult situation and her suffering. Despite being a servant, Hagar was not forgotten by God. It reveals God’s compassion and involvement in the lives of individuals, even those who may be marginalized or facing challenging circumstances.
- The Promise of a Son: The angel’s message brought a promise to Hagar that she would have a son. This was significant because in the cultural context of that time, bearing a child was a sign of honor and an assurance of a legacy. The promise of a child to Hagar would have provided her with hope for the future.
- The Naming of Ishmael: The angel specifically instructs Hagar to name her son Ishmael. In Hebrew, “Ishmael” means “God hears” or “God will hear.” This name reflects the fact that God had heard Hagar’s cries and taken note of her distress. It serves as a reminder of God’s attentiveness and involvement in her life.
This verse sets the stage for the subsequent narrative involving Hagar and Ishmael. It reveals God’s concern for the marginalized and His willingness to intervene in their lives. Furthermore, it foreshadows the future significance of Ishmael, as he becomes the father of the Arab nations according to biblical tradition.
Overall, Genesis 16:11 underscores the theme of God’s care and intervention in the lives of His people, regardless of their status or circumstances. It offers encouragement and reassurance that God sees and hears our afflictions and remains actively involved in our lives.
