In the Old Testament Hagar was the mother of Abraham's first son, Ishmael, and had been the maid of Sarah, Abraham's wife. After the birth of Sarah's son Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael were banished at Sarah's request, and sent into the desert with only bread and water provided by Abraham. When this was finished, an angel, frequently identified as the archangel Michael, appeared to Hagar and showed her a well, so saving their lives (Genesis 16, and 21: 8-21).