“And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.”
This verse is a part of the narrative of Abraham, Sarah, and their son Isaac. It occurs after Sarah, who was previously barren, miraculously conceives and gives birth to Isaac in her old age. Sarah had initially doubted the possibility of having a child at such an advanced age, but God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah.
In the preceding verses, Sarah became distressed and asked Abraham to cast out Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, and her son Ishmael, whom Abraham had fathered earlier. God reassured Abraham that He would make a great nation out of Ishmael but instructed him to listen to Sarah and send them away.
In Genesis 21:14-16, Abraham obeyed God’s command and sent Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness with limited supplies of food and water. When their provisions ran out, Hagar, desperate and fearing for the life of her son, placed Ishmael under a shrub and distanced herself, not being able to bear witness to his suffering.
It is at this point that Genesis 21:19 describes God’s intervention. God opened Hagar’s eyes, enabling her to see a well of water nearby. Hagar went to the well, filled her bottle with water, and gave Ishmael a drink, saving him from death due to dehydration.
This verse highlights God’s compassion and provision in times of need. Even in the wilderness, where there seemed to be no hope, God revealed a source of sustenance for Hagar and Ishmael. It emphasizes God’s concern for the vulnerable and His willingness to intervene in dire circumstances.
This passage also serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness extends to all people, regardless of their circumstances. Hagar and Ishmael, who were not the direct recipients of the covenant promises made to Abraham, experienced God’s mercy and provision. It demonstrates that God’s grace is not limited to a specific group of individuals but extends to all who call upon Him in faith.
Furthermore, this incident foreshadows the future provision of water in the wilderness during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Just as God provided water from a rock in the desert to quench the thirst of the Israelites, here He provides water from a well to save Hagar and Ishmael. It serves as a reminder that God can bring forth sustenance and deliverance even in the most arid and challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, Genesis 21:19 showcases God’s compassionate intervention and provision in the life of Hagar and Ishmael. It highlights His care for the vulnerable and serves as a testament to His faithfulness and grace, even in the most desolate places.
