The above scripture in neither its origin nor preservation was intended for a rod to hold over the heads of men, or a threat to intimidate them, but on the contrary, a blessed assurance of the unselfish watchful care of a dear Friend, who has a love prompting the seeking and bringing back every wanderer from the fold of Christ.
Let us examine the narrative of Hagar in the desert. Turn to Genesis, sixteenth chapter, and you find a poor woman alone, in a foreign land, away from home, father, mother, and every associate of early days, exalted to a position of honor beyond anything she could have expected. She had not sought this elevation; had used no means for obtaining it—it had been thrust upon her, and by one whom we would suppose the last person to suggest such a thing. Soon however she by whose suggestion this honor came, turns to be her enemy, afflicts, torments her, and seeks in every way to make her life bitter. No one interposes in her behalf; not even him from whom she had a right to claim protection: literally, there was no "eye to pity, no arm to save." She endures until her poor tired womanhood is well nigh crushed, and then, all alone, she flies from her persecutor, and starts on a long dangerous journey across the desert, to her far-away home, preferring even to die by the way than to remain longer exposed to such cruel hatred.
She journeys, until coming to a fountain weary and disconsolate she pauses to rest. She weeps, and no human eye beholds it; she moans and no ear hears. No sweet words of sympathy and hope are breathed into her ear; no loving arm is tenderly thrown around her. Suddenly her name is called, and questions are asked by one who seems to know all about her. She had supposed herself utterly alone, and is surprised at being thus addressed; but answers the questions in a straight-forward way. The message is delivered, and the messenger does her the honor of naming her future son. In doing so, he unfolds a glorious truth; for he names her son Ishmael, "God will hear." She knows now that her earnest prayers, as she journeyed beneath the hot Syrian sun and rested at the fountain, had been heard. She recognizes the messenger as he leaves her, and says: "Have I looked after Him that seeth me," (Matthew Henry says the original is almost identical with Ex. 33: 23); and in adoration, and the overflowing gratitude of her heart, she called the name of the Lord who spake unto her "Thou God seest me."
