The answer is: Hagar

Gen 16:16

Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, has a unique and compelling story in the grand narrative of Genesis. Importantly, she wasn’t just a servant, but a woman from Egypt caught in the complex dynamics of family and societal norms of her time. Abraham and Sarah's decision to have Hagar bear a child reveals a lot about how individuals often take matters into their own hands when they feel God's promises are slow to unfold.

Hagar's encounters with divine beings are particularly fascinating. In Genesis 16:7, an angel of the Lord meets her in the wilderness, giving her a new direction and hope, not only for herself but for her unborn son. This reflects a broader biblical theme: God hears the cries of the oppressed, individuals who are often overlooked or sidelined in society. Later, when Hagar and Ishmael are cast away, God similarly shows up, assuring her that He will make a great nation out of her son. This can be linked to other Biblical narratives where God intervenes in the lives of the marginalized—think of Ruth, the Moabitess, or even Naomi, who faced hardships but found redemption through God's guidance.

Fun trivia—Hagar's name means "flight" in Hebrew, reflecting her escapes from difficult situations, both as a runaway slave and a mother driven into the wilderness. Her story reminds us that even in the midst of suffering and exile, new beginnings can unfold, and blessings may come in the most unexpected forms.