The answer is: Spring

Gen 16:7

In Genesis 16:7, we find Hagar in a tangle of her own making—fleeing into the wilderness after some very tough circumstances. It’s at this desperate moment that the angel of the Lord appears to her. What’s notable here is that he finds her by a spring of water. This element plays a pivotal role in the story, giving insight into both the physical and spiritual sustenance that the water represents.

In biblical times, springs symbolized a refreshing life source, unlike the barren land Hagar was escaping. It’s intriguing to note that throughout scripture, springs often register as spots of renewed hope or divine intervention. For instance, in the story of Moses giving the Israelites water from a rock, we see springs almost likened to the divine presence that sustains.

The emphasis on a water spring is also echoing themes of rejuvenation, making it a poetic detail, as the angel does not just provide for Hagar's physical thirst but also initiates a poignant conversation about her future and destiny. How cool is it to recognize that Hagar is the first to see an angel in the Bible, and fondly referred to as one of the only women angel narratives feature? It's a lovely reminder that divine messages often arrive when we feel most lost, reminding us that support comes in unexpected ways.