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Genesis 21:19 - Divine vision reveals hidden sustenance.

Genesis 21:19 - בראשית 21:19

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפְקַח אֱלֹהִים אֶת־עֵינֶיהָ וַתֵּרֶא בְּאֵר מָיִם וַתֵּלֶךְ וַתְּמַלֵּא אֶת־הַחֵמֶת מַיִם וַתַּשְׁקְ אֶת־הַנָּעַר׃

English Translation

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.

Transliteration

Vayifkach Elohim et-eineha vateere be'er mayim vatelech vatemale et-hachemet mayim vatashke et-hana'ar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא בְּאֵ֣ר מָ֑יִם וַתֵּ֜לֶךְ וַתְּמַלֵּ֤א אֶת־הַחֵ֙מֶת֙ מַ֔יִם וַתַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת־הַנָּֽעַר׃
וַיִּפְקַ֤ח אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא בְּאֵ֣ר מָ֑יִם וַתֵּ֜לֶךְ וַתְּמַלֵּ֤א אֶת־הַחֵ֙מֶת֙ מַ֔יִם וַתַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת־הַנָּֽעַר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 21:19) describes the moment when Hagar, after being cast out by Abraham at Sarah's insistence, is stranded in the wilderness with her son Yishmael (the lad). When their water runs out, and Yishmael is near death, Hashem intervenes by opening Hagar's eyes to reveal a well of water.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the well had always been there, but Hagar did not initially see it until Hashem "opened her eyes." This teaches that divine providence is always present, even when we are unaware of it. The miracle was not the creation of a new well, but the revelation of what was already there.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses how divine intervention often operates through natural means. Here, Hashem did not alter nature but allowed Hagar to perceive the existing well, demonstrating that divine assistance can come through heightened awareness rather than overt miracles.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (53:13): The well Hagar saw was the same well that would later accompany the Israelites in the wilderness (the "Well of Miriam"). This connects the divine mercy shown to Hagar with the ongoing providence for Bnei Yisrael.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (30): The verse emphasizes Hagar's maternal devotion—she did not drink first but immediately gave water to her son. This act of selflessness merited divine intervention.

Theological Implications

The verse highlights several key principles in Jewish thought:

  • Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence): Hashem's care extends even to individuals in distress, as seen with Hagar and Yishmael.
  • Teshuvah and Mercy: Despite Yishmael's later negative actions (as recounted in the Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 16b), Hashem showed compassion due to his suffering at that moment.
  • Hidden Miracles: Many of Hashem's kindnesses are embedded in nature, requiring us to "open our eyes" to recognize them.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 21:19 mean when it says 'God opened her eyes'?
A: According to Rashi, this means that Hagar was previously unable to see the well, even though it was nearby. Hashem gave her special clarity to recognize the miracle of the water source that had always been there. This teaches us that sometimes we need divine help to see the blessings right in front of us.
Q: Why was the well of water important in Genesis 21:19?
A: The Midrash explains that this was the same well that would later accompany the Israelites in the wilderness (known as Miriam's Well). The sudden appearance of water in the desert saved Hagar and Yishmael's lives, showing Hashem's mercy even in difficult situations. Water represents both physical and spiritual sustenance in Jewish thought.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hagar filling the bottle and giving water to Yishmael?
A: The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates a parent's devotion to their child, even in desperate circumstances. Despite being lost in the wilderness, Hagar's first thought was to properly collect the water and care for her son. This mirrors how we should approach both physical and spiritual nourishment for our families.
Q: How does Genesis 21:19 show God's relationship with Hagar and Yishmael?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) notes that although Yishmael's descendants would later oppose the Jewish people, Hashem answered his cries because 'the prayer of the sick is heard immediately.' This verse shows that God cares for all people, especially those in distress, and responds to sincere prayer.
Q: Why does the Torah mention specifically that she 'filled the bottle' with water?
A: Rashi explains that this detail teaches us about preparation and foresight. Rather than just drinking directly from the well, Hagar took water for future needs. This reflects the Jewish value of hishtadlut (making proper effort) - we must do our part even when receiving divine assistance.