The name El Roi, meaning “The God Who Sees,” is a powerful reminder of God’s omnipresence and omniscience. This name is first introduced in Genesis 16:13-14, where Hagar, Sarai’s maidservant, encounters God in the wilderness. In her moment of despair and isolation, she discovers a profound truth about God’s nature—that He sees and cares for her. This Bible study will explore the significance of El Roi and how this understanding of God can transform our lives. We will also examine related scriptures that reveal God’s intimate knowledge of our hearts and His responsiveness to our prayers.
Genesis 16:13-14 (NIV): She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’ That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
- In Genesis 16, Hagar, fleeing from the harsh treatment of Sarai, finds herself alone and desperate in the desert. It is in this place of vulnerability that God reveals Himself to her as El Roi. Hagar’s encounter with God reminds us that He sees us in our most trying times. He is not a distant deity but a personal God who observes our struggles and intervenes in our lives.
2 Chronicles 6:20 (NIV): May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
- In 2 Chronicles 6:20, Solomon prays that God’s eyes would always be open toward the temple, a symbol of His presence among His people. This verse illustrates God’s attentiveness and readiness to respond to the prayers of His servants. Just as God’s eyes were on the temple, His eyes are on us, His living temples. He watches over us day and night, ready to hear our prayers and act on our behalf.
Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV): “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
- El Roi, the God who sees, also searches the heart. He understands our innermost thoughts and motivations. This truth should bring us comfort and conviction. God knows our true intentions and desires, even when we ourselves may be confused. His intimate knowledge of our hearts ensures that He can guide us perfectly according to His will. This encourages us to live transparently before Him, trusting in His righteous judgment and guidance.
Matthew 6:4-18 (NIV): “…so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you… so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
- In Matthew 6:4-18, Jesus teaches about the importance of sincerity in our spiritual practices. Whether in giving, praying, or fasting, God sees what is done in secret. This passage highlights El Roi’s ability to see beyond outward appearances to the true nature of our devotion. God values genuine worship and obedience over public displays of piety. He rewards those who seek Him with pure hearts, not for the praise of men but for the approval of their Heavenly Father.
El Roi, the God who sees, is an important revelation of God’s character. He sees our struggles, searches our hearts, watches over us, and rewards our sincere devotion. As we meditate on these truths, let us be encouraged that we are never alone or unnoticed. God is intimately involved in our lives, and His watchful eyes guide us, protect us, and lead us into His perfect will. May we live with the confidence that comes from knowing El Roi, the God who sees us, loves us, and is always with us.
Digging Deeper
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him – The LORD will shew himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him, but he will bring continuous trouble on those who do foolishly.
- Do not turn aside from the Lord to the right or to the left – The Bible consistently encourages us to keep our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and his promises instead of turning left or right.
- Yahweh is a merciful and gracious God – God was gracious to Moses and showed him his glory when he needed encouragement from the cares and failures of this life. He will do the same for you.
- Can Satan read minds and influence thoughts? – Demonic influence is crafty and deceitful, able to tempt and deceive, through physical interaction, by circumstances, in dreams and visions.