The answer is: Hagar

Gen 16:1-12

In the tapestry of the Bible, angels often show up at pivotal moments in the lives of individuals, acting as messengers or guides. The visit of an angel to Hagar, an Egyptian servant in the household of Abram and Sarai, is particularly striking. When Hagar fled into the wilderness under strain from Sarai's treatment, it was an angel of the Lord who found her, offering not only comfort but also profound guidance and a promise for her son, Ishmael.

In this earliest recorded encounter, we start to see a thread that runs throughout Scripture: God is deeply attentive to the marginalized and the outcast. Hagar was at the fringes of society, yet her story reveals that angels are not just for the mighty but are sent to encourage the vulnerable too. This reinforces a greater theme across the Bible about inclusion and divine care for those in distress.

It’s intriguing to note that Hagar started her tale on the lowest rung of cultural status, yet her son was eventually tied to a legacy that's viewed as pivotal in the story of Abrahamic faiths. This lesson echoes across many narratives in the Bible, highlighting that God's attention can arise in the least expected places.

Furthermore, Hagar's interaction has parallels in later texts; consider the annunciation to Mary—another unexpected visitation that changed the course of history. There's often more than meets the eye in these divine visits!