What is el roi?

El Roi (אֵל רֳאִי) is a Hebrew name for God that appears in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 16:13). It means "God who sees me" or "God of seeing."

The name is revealed by Hagar, Sarah's servant, after she flees into the wilderness following harsh treatment. An angel of the Lord finds her by a spring and tells her to return to Sarah. After this encounter, Hagar proclaims, "You are the God who sees me," and calls the well Beer-lahai-roi (בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי), which means "well of the Living One who sees me." The well is located between Kadesh and Bered.

The significance of El Roi lies in the idea that God is aware of individuals, particularly those who are suffering or feeling overlooked. It highlights God's presence and care for those in difficult circumstances. The story of Hagar finding comfort and reassurance in God's seeing her speaks to the deeply personal nature of faith. It demonstrates that even in the most desolate and lonely situations, God is present and attentive. The concept is about God's%20Omniscience and God's%20Providence.