EL ROI

The term El Roi (el-row-ee) in Hebrew means ‘the God who sees me.’ It is used only one time in the scriptures in Genesis 16:13. The reason it seems so unusual is because it is spoken by Hagar, and Egyptian servant of Sarai (Sarah), Abraham’s wife after she becomes pregnant by Abraham, after much urging from Sarai because she was barren and Hagar is going to have a baby. Hagar was treated badly by Sarai from jealousy. Feeling unwanted and oppressed Hagar flees into the wilderness.

And just what you don’t want to happen… an angel of the Lord appeared to her near a spring and told her to return to Sarai, while also delivering a prophecy that her son, Ishmael, will become the father of a great nation. After this encounter, Hagar is deeply moved, and she said: “You are the God who sees me, I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13 NIV)

She then called the name of the Lord who spoke to her El Roi, recognizing that even as a disliked and mistreated servant of lowly importance, she was seen and acknowledged by the Lord.

Most honest people would admit that when things are tough and upside down, when we feel lonely and forsaken… we want a Lord who sees us, speaks to us, loves and wants to bless us when we are on the margins. Let it be El Roi, you have seen me and I want to see you.

“The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people.
From the place where he lives he looks carefully at all
the earth’s inhabitants. He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions.” (Psalm 33:13-15)

“But whenever you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus