The woman who gave God a name (1)

By Evangelist (Mrs.) Bella Rhodes Vivour-Nwaogu

Genesis 16: 13 And she called the name of the Lord that spoke unto her, THOU GOD SEEST ME, for she said, have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’ NLT

                     Jehovah El Roi

Hager the Egyptian was just another slave maid in the house of Abraham and Sarah, a family that had migrated from Mesopotamia. She became Sarah personal maid, ministering to her personal needs. As time went on there was a bonding which yielded trust on the one part and submission on the other.

Sarah was a sad woman as she ached with pain at not being able to give Abraham a child. She was a realist as she pondered these threatening issues that so boldly mocked her. There was Eleazer, head of all that her husband had. Would he now inherit all as there was no heir? Would her loving husband go without a seed?

She knew she had long passed her time. The herbal practitioners and seers had done their best. She had endured mocking as it echoed within the tents about her. Yes, it was noised abroad that the great Abraham had no heir to succeed him and it was her fault. Accusations of all kinds were levelled against her. Why had she not made any provision? Selfish woman. Greedy. She does not want to share her husband with any one. Her chest welled up with pain intermittently, a sigh always escaping her lips as she glanced at the children of their servants playing and laughing. She reflected on the fact that so many young ones had now grown up, gotten married, carrying their babies, while she progressing in old age had no joy of her own. These were troubling years for her.

Also, she had issues with Jehovah. Why was he relating only with Abraham? Every time her husband would come telling of a vision, conversations and encounters but why had Abraham’s God allowed her pass childbearing age? Why wouldn’t he speak with her too?

One day she took a good look at her confidant who was always encouraging her as she sobbed uncontrollably. She knew her feelings and pain. Hagar would be the one. At least she is humble, so she did not anticipate any issues with her. She knew her anguish and had sympathy for her. All she need do is convince her husband to consider Hagar.

Abraham was reluctant but eventually agreed, reassuring her of his love. She returned to Hagar with her proposal. Hager was shocked. Attempted to decline but with no choice as a slave, she submitted. The deal was sealed.

Hager lay awake in the stillness of the night ahead of her contact with her master and wondered how she could be so luckily. What a promotion! She is one step away to becoming a wife and a preferred choice in his eyes. Excited she shared with her friends in the quarters. Unbelievable but she became envy of her peers. Hager saw so much advantage as she prepared herself to give the wealthy Patriarch a child. The glamour and the splendour captivated her.

It was no surprise that when Hager saw she was with child that her attitude changed towards Sarah. We are mates now. What you couldn’t do I have done. She was now expecting privileged treatment. But to her consternation and utter disbelieve, she had to continue as servant to Sarah and Abraham did take sides with her.

In anger she rebelled against Sarah’s authority. These times brought a fresh. Excruciating pain to Sarah as she had thought Hagar would hide and cover her shame. On the contrary the gossip mill was agog with how Hagar was pregnant for Abraham. As the news reverberated through the community, Sarah became lonely and full of regret at her choice. The shame and mockery became so much to bear that she let it out on Hagar. Unable to bear the brutal treatment, Hager fled with the child.

As Hagar wondered in the wilderness looking for a caravan route to help her escape, she arrived at Shur. It was a small oasis built around springs. Here she would have her encounter with Abraham’s God. To her surprise the Angel knew her, gave her a promise about her child, gave the baby’s name, telling her to go back. Hager Faith was stronger now as she appreciated God. Breaking out in worship, she gave God a name Thou God sees me – El Roi. She had heard in the corridors of the tents whispers about Abraham’s conversations with Jehovah but for her to be considered by this Jehovah – what joy! What a joy that she was not alone. Far from family, fearless that no punishment of death would come her way, she arose and made her homeward journey back. Yes, Abraham had interceded for her and the unborn baby that the Lord would preserve his seed.