בראשית, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ז׳

Hagar runs into the desolate desert to hide and escape from all human contact. Yet, at the very peak of her isolation, a surprising encounter takes place. This meeting is far from random; it occurs at a precise moment and location, serving as both a geographic and spiritual crossroads. She is met by a messenger of God, though commentators differ on the exact nature of this figure. Some suggest it was a human prophet, specifically identifying him as Shem, the son of Noah [רלב״ג]. Others maintain that it was an actual angel who appeared to her in human form [ביאור יש״ר]. The dynamic of this meeting was highly specific. Rather than the messenger simply tracking her down against her wish to remain hidden [רש ר הירש], the events were carefully guided so that she would be the one to find him in her lonely wandering [העמק דבר].

This divine revelation could only occur once Hagar was spiritually prepared [ספורנו]. As long as she was walking through the desert, exhausted and worn out, she was incapable of receiving prophecy. It was only when she finally sat down to rest and restore her spirit that she became ready for a divine experience [מלבי״ם].

The encounter takes place by a spring of water, a setting with deep significance. Hagar stood at this spot and prayed [ספורנו], as a natural water source is considered an ideal environment for prayer, which itself is compared to the pouring out of water [קיצור בעל הטורים]. The exact location is noted with precision [רד״ק], pointing to a famous spring in the Negev [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This spring was a well-known and vital rest stop for caravans traveling through the dry desert [רש ר הירש], situated directly at a major crossroads [ספורנו].

The specific path she takes toward Shur reveals her ultimate plan. Shur is identified as the area of Hagra [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה] or Pelusium [שד״ל], the very desert the Israelites would later enter after crossing the Red Sea [חזקוני]. Situated on the border of the Land of Israel and close to Egypt, this route clearly shows her intentions. Hagar was purposefully leaving the Land of Israel [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה] to return to her native homeland of Egypt [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].