The answer is: Hagar

Gen 16:1-12

Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai, stands out as the first recorded responder to angelic visitation, marking a profound moment in the tapestry of biblical narration. When Hagar fled into the wilderness, it was an angel of the Lord who sought her out. This not only highlights the concerns for individuals outside the central narrative—like Hagar, a marginalized figure—but also showcases the angel’s reassurance, calling her by name and revealing God’s promises and plans for her and her child, Ishmael.

This encounter takes place in Genesis 16, where God’s compassion is evident even in dire circumstances. The name "Ishmael" itself means "God hears," signifying that not only Hagar's suffering was heard, but also promises of a great nation would stem from her lineage, rooting her story firmly in the larger redemptive family of Abraham.

Interestingly, this angelic message wasn’t merely about deliverance; it carried a sense of empowerment and a role in God's unfolding narrative. Throughout Scripture, angels often bridge the human experience with divine messages, echoing themes of hope, guidance, and unexpected grace. Consider how Gabriel visits Mary to announce Jesus’ birth years later; it shows a continuity of this divine approach towards humankind. Hagar’s story invites reflection on how the divine presence enters the lives of those struggling and emphasizes that everyone, even those who feel unseen or neglected, are woven into the grand design of creation.