Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the 'angel of the Lord' in Genesis 16:7?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the 'angel of the Lord' in this verse refers to a divine messenger sent by Hashem. Rashi explains that this was an actual angel, not a prophet or human being, who appeared to Hagar in the wilderness to deliver a message from Hashem.
Q: Why did the angel appear to Hagar by a fountain of water?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 45:6) teaches that the angel appeared to Hagar by a fountain of water to show Hashem's mercy. Even though Hagar was fleeing from Sarah, Hashem cared for her in her distress and provided comfort near water, which symbolizes life and divine kindness in Jewish thought.
Q: What is the significance of the location 'on the way to Shur'?
A: Rashi explains that Shur was near the border of Egypt, indicating that Hagar was attempting to return to her homeland. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) connects Shur to 'seeing,' suggesting this was a place where divine providence was clearly visible, as evidenced by the angel's appearance to Hagar.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about how Hashem treats people?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's compassion for all people, even when they are in difficult situations. As Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:1) explains, we learn from Hashem's ways to show kindness to others. Here, Hagar - who was alone and distressed - was comforted by divine intervention, showing that no one is beyond Hashem's care.
Q: How does this encounter with the angel relate to Jewish concepts of divine communication?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 14a) teaches that prophecy comes in different forms. Here, the angel speaks directly to Hagar, which Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains is one level of divine communication. This shows that while prophecy was rare, Hashem communicates with people in different ways when necessary.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 16:7) describes the encounter between Hagar, Sarai's maidservant, and an angel of Hashem after she fled from Sarai's household. The verse appears in the narrative of Hagar's pregnancy with Yishmael and the subsequent tensions between her and Sarai.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the angel found Hagar "by a fountain of water in the wilderness" because this location was along the road to Egypt, her homeland. He notes that the phrase "on the way to Shur" refers to the path leading back to Egypt, as Shur was near the Egyptian border (Rashi on Bereshit 16:7, citing Bereshit 25:18). Rashi also emphasizes that the angel's appearance was an act of divine compassion, as Hagar was in distress.
Ramban's Insight
The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the repetition of "by a fountain of water" and "by the fountain" suggests that this was a well-known place, perhaps a stopping point for travelers. He interprets the angel's appearance as a sign of divine providence, ensuring that Hagar would not perish in the wilderness (Ramban on Bereshit 16:7).
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:6) elaborates that the angel found Hagar near the same well where future encounters between the Jewish people and divine messengers would occur, hinting at a deeper spiritual significance to the location. This well is later associated with the well of Miriam in the wilderness.
Symbolism of the Wilderness
Halachic and Ethical Lessons
The Malbim highlights that the angel's approach teaches the importance of compassion toward those in distress, even if they have erred. Hagar, though she had acted disrespectfully toward Sarai (Bereshit 16:4), was still deserving of divine mercy. This aligns with the Torah's broader ethic of caring for the vulnerable, including strangers and servants.