Genesis 21:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And it is written that God opened her eyes, not because she lacked vision previously, but because even when her eyes were opened, they gained no true significance without divine revelation. Thus, when the Lord intended to reveal His care for her, He opened her eyes, which signifies that He imparted His understanding to her, lifting her spirit and guiding her so that she discovered a place where flowing water existed. The Scripture recounts that she perceived a well of living water, and she went forth to fill her vessel and offered the young man a drink. In seemingly unreachable situations, God provided her with direction; in her helpless predicament, with no hope for salvation, He displayed His mercy by comforting her and demonstrating His provision for the boy.

With the ending of the ministry of the old covenant and the flourishing of the new ministry in Christ, along with the emergence of believing nations, who are considered children of freedom, devoid of a servant's spirit (for they call, 'Abba, Father'), the moment has arrived for the dissolution of Jewish covenants and for the community that originated from it to effectively be deprived of its promise, as indicated by the Scriptures. She departed, mourning and weeping, but lost her path in the desert. When her son faced peril and cried out, it is noted, 'God opened the eyes of Hagar, and she saw a well of water... and went and filled her skin with water and gave him drink.' Having been cast out, the mother of the Jews roamed for a long while and faced the threat of complete annihilation.

God then opened her eyes (see Gen. 3:7 above) to reveal a well of water. Some believe this occurred through a miraculous intervention, yet it may be understood that Hagar discovered a hidden source she had not previously perceived; for those living in the Arabian wilderness, as noted by Diodorus (Bibl. LXIX), often conceal the entrances to their treasure-caches, rendering them difficult to find. However, if anyone grapples with the inner conflict between living under the law and embracing grace, becoming entangled in the enslaving nature of the law, they must wander through the wilderness alongside Ishmael and bear the torment of spiritual thirst (Gen. 21:15). It is only when they recognize their destitution that God will hear their cry (Gen.