Genesis 21:19

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.

And God {H430} opened {H6491} her eyes {H5869}, and she saw {H7200} a well {H875} of water {H4325}; and she went {H3212}, and filled {H4390} the bottle {H2573} with water {H4325}, and gave {H8248} the lad {H5288} drink {H8248}.

Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went, filled the skin with water and gave the boy water to drink.

Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

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.

Commentary

Genesis 21:19 describes a pivotal moment of divine intervention in the lives of Hagar and her son Ishmael, who were cast out into the wilderness by Abraham. After they had run out of water and Ishmael was near death, God heard his cry, and this verse details the immediate provision.

Context

This verse immediately follows a desperate situation where Hagar, having been sent away from Abraham's household, believed her son Ishmael was dying of thirst in the wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:15). Overwhelmed with grief, she laid Ishmael under a shrub, expecting his death. However, God had heard the boy's cry, and an angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, reassuring her and reiterating the promise that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 21:17-18). Verse 19 is the direct, tangible fulfillment of that divine intervention, demonstrating God's immediate care.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Intervention: The verse powerfully illustrates God's direct and timely intervention in a seemingly hopeless situation. He doesn't just promise; He acts to sustain life.
  • God's Compassion and Faithfulness: Even though Hagar and Ishmael were no longer part of Abraham's direct covenant line through Isaac, God's compassion extended to them. He is faithful to His earlier promises concerning Ishmael (Genesis 16:10).
  • Spiritual and Physical Revelation: Hagar was physically near the well but could not see it until God "opened her eyes." This highlights how God can reveal solutions that are already present but hidden from our sight due to despair or lack of understanding. It's a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment.
  • Hope in Despair: The narrative offers a profound message of hope, showing that even in the most dire circumstances, God provides a way out and meets immediate needs.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God opened her eyes" (Hebrew: וַיִּפְקַח אֱלֹהִים אֶת־עֵינֶיהָ, vayyipkaḥ Elohim et-eyneyha) is significant. The verb pâqaḥ (פָּקַח) means to "open" and is often used in the context of divine action, particularly in enabling sight or understanding where it was previously absent. It implies a supernatural act, not merely a natural observation. Hagar's inability to see the well was not due to its absence but to her being overwhelmed or perhaps a divine withholding of sight until the appropriate moment of intervention.

Practical Application

Genesis 21:19 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Sees Your Distress: Just as God heard Ishmael's cry and saw Hagar's despair, He is aware of our struggles and needs. No situation is too dire for His intervention.
  • Look for God's Provision: Sometimes, the solution to our problems is closer than we realize, but we may be blinded by fear, sorrow, or limited perspective. Pray for God to "open your eyes" to His provision.
  • Trust in His Faithfulness: God is faithful to His promises and extends His compassion to all who call upon Him, regardless of their background. His resources are limitless, even in the wilderness of life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 22:31

    Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

  • 2 Kings 6:17

    And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

  • 2 Kings 6:20

    And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.

  • Isaiah 35:5

    ¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

  • Isaiah 35:6

    Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

  • Luke 24:16

    But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

  • Luke 24:31

    And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
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