What Was Bered in the Bible?
A Town in Southern Judah
Bered, mentioned in Genesis 16:14, is a town located in the southern region of Judah. The name “Bered” (בֶּרֶד) in Hebrew means “hail,” possibly referring to the area’s weather or climatic conditions. This location is significant in the biblical narrative as it is associated with a critical event involving Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai (later Sarah), the wife of Abram (later Abraham).
The Story of Hagar and Ishmael
The town of Bered is mentioned in the context of Hagar’s encounter with God. In Genesis 16, Sarai, who was barren, gave her servant Hagar to Abram as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. When Hagar became pregnant, tension arose between her and Sarai, leading to Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. It was at a well between Kadesh and Bered that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar.
The Angel of the Lord comforted Hagar, instructing her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority. The angel also revealed that her son would be named Ishmael, meaning “God hears,” because the Lord had heard of her misery. This well was later named “Beer-lahai-roi,” meaning “the well of the Living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13-14). The naming of this well and the mention of nearby Bered emphasize the significance of this encounter, highlighting God’s providence and care even in difficult circumstances.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
God’s Care and Provision in Difficult Times
The story of Hagar at the well near Bered demonstrates God’s care and provision, even in the midst of challenging situations. Hagar, feeling alone and desperate, encountered God who saw her distress and provided comfort and guidance. This narrative shows that God is attentive to the needs and struggles of all people, regardless of their status or situation.
For modern Christians, this story is a powerful reminder that God sees and cares for everyone, including those who feel marginalized or forgotten. It encourages believers to trust in God’s provision and to seek His guidance in times of trouble. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy, encouraging Christians to support those who are in distress.
The Importance of Obedience and Submission
Hagar’s encounter with the Angel of the Lord also emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to God’s direction. Despite her difficult situation, Hagar was instructed to return and submit to Sarai. This instruction, while challenging, was part of God’s plan for her and her son Ishmael.
This lesson is relevant for Christians today, highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s will, even when it is difficult or counterintuitive. It calls believers to trust in God’s wisdom and to follow His guidance, knowing that He has a purpose and plan for their lives. This obedience is a mark of true faith and submission to God’s sovereignty.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Inclusivity and Faithfulness
The narrative of Hagar and Ishmael near Bered illustrates God’s inclusive nature and faithfulness. Even though Ishmael was not the child of promise, God still provided for him and made promises concerning his future. God’s appearance to Hagar, an Egyptian servant, underscores His concern for all people, not just those within the covenant community of Israel.
This aspect of the story highlights God’s universal care and love, reassuring Christians that God’s love extends to all humanity. It encourages believers to reflect this inclusivity in their own lives, showing love and compassion to people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It also reminds them of God’s faithfulness to His promises, providing hope and assurance in His unchanging character.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Foreshadowing of Christ’s Compassion
The story of Hagar and Ishmael, with its themes of compassion and divine intervention, foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently reached out to those who were marginalized, outcast, or in distress, offering them hope, healing, and restoration. His ministry reflected the same compassion and care that God showed to Hagar in the wilderness.
For Christians, this connection emphasizes the importance of following Christ’s example in showing compassion and care for others. It also highlights Jesus’ role as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, bringing salvation and reconciliation to all people. The story of Hagar at Bered serves as an early illustration of God’s redemptive work, which is fully realized in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Conclusion
Bered, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, is significant due to its association with the story of Hagar and Ishmael. This narrative highlights God’s care and provision, the importance of obedience, and God’s inclusivity and faithfulness. For modern Christians, the lessons from this story encourage trust in God’s provision, compassion for others, and obedience to God’s will. The connection to Jesus Christ underscores the continuity of God’s compassionate and redemptive work throughout history, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Through these reflections, believers are reminded of God’s love, faithfulness, and the call to live out these truths in their daily lives.