Reading for February 19th

Read Genesis 16.1-16 Hagar, Sarai, and the birth of Ishmael.
In verse 2 because Sarai could have no children on her own, ancient custom allowed her to have a child through one of her women servants (10.3, 9).
In verse 6 Sarai dealt harshly with the Egyptian slave-girl, Hagar.
The same Hebrew verb meaning "to deal harshly, oppress" is used to describe the Egyptians' treatment of the Israelite slaves in Ex. 1.11.
Israel was capable of the same oppression it would experience at the hands of the Egyptians.
In verse 10 the angel of the LORD gives a promise to Hagar that is virtually identical to the
promise the LORD made to Abram (15.5).
In verse 11 the name of Hagar's son will be Ishmael, which means "God hears."
The LORD has given heed to or heard Hagar's cry for help.
God responds to the cry of the oppressed, including Israelites like Hagar.
In verse 12 Ishmael will be the ancestor of a people known for their defiance and conflict.
In verse 13 Hagar names the LORD: "You are El-roi," which means "You are a God who sees."
This is the only example in the Old Testament of a human being giving a name to God.
In all other cases, God is the one who reveals the divine name to humans.
In verse 14 place names in Genesis often recall important stories or events.
Here Beer-lahai-roi means "the well of the living one who sees me."
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