Beer-lahai-roi is first mentioned in Genesis 16, during Hagar’s encounter with the Angel of the Lord after she fled from Sarah’s harsh treatment. Genesis 16:13–14 explains:
“Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees’; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’ Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered.”
The name Beer-lahai-roi means “Well of the Living One who sees me.” It commemorates the place where God revealed Himself to Hagar and comforted her in her distress. This well became a symbol of God’s care, showing that He sees and hears the afflicted, even when they feel forgotten.
Beer-lahai-roi appears again in Genesis 24:62 and 25:11, associated with Isaac’s dwelling after Abraham’s death:
“Now it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.”
Its connection to Isaac underscores continuity in God’s covenant promises. The well that represented God’s care for an outcast also became a place where His covenant blessings continued.
The importance of Beer-lahai-roi lies in its testimony of God’s compassion and presence. It reminds us that God sees every hardship and faithfully provides for His people. The same God who saw Hagar sees us today and remains attentive to our needs.
