The answer is: Hagar

Gen 16:16

In the saga of Genesis, Hagar emerges as a compelling figure. She wasn't just any servant; she was a key player in the narrative around Abraham, Sarah, and the promise of many descendants. Sarah, unable to have children, gave Hagar, her Egyptian maid, to Abraham in hopes of building a family through her (Genesis 16:1-2). This might seem out-of-place today, but back then, it was not uncommon for women in Sarah's position to seek such options.

Ishmael, the son born from this union, symbolizes something far more profound than just the offspring of two parents. The name 'Ishmael' itself means "God hears" (Genesis 16:11), highlighting a divine theme woven through his life. Hagar playfully and defiantly names God El Roi in Genesis 16:13 after encountering Him in the wilderness itself, signifying the profound relationship many seek amidst distress.

As we look at the big picture in biblical history, both Ishmael and his family later represent the foundation not just for a nation, but a part of the larger tapestry that reaches into the story of other monotheistic traditions. It’s interesting how these early Hebrew texts lay the groundwork for later predictions and destinies of cultures yet to evolve.

Hagar and her story remind us of the threads of struggle, hope, and divine care woven into the fabric of our understanding of them in history. Moreover, the journeys of both Ishmael and Isaac offer a fascinating lens through which the ancient world interacts with personal faith and identity.