Who painted Hagar in the wilderness?

Gustave Doré painted Hagar in the wilderness.

What Bible passage does Hagar in the wilderness depict?

Hagar in the wilderness depicts the biblical scene from Genesis 21:8-21.

Hagar in the wilderness by Gustave Doré

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Hagar's experience, when initially sent forth into the desert, was far from encouraging. As she wandered about with her young son, their water supply soon became exhausted, and the boy was overcome with thirst, on the brink of death. Overwhelmed by despair, she sought a sheltering bush to shield her child and then sat at a distance, unable to witness his agonizing struggle. This poignant and heart-rending scene has often been depicted by artists, and while the illustration presented here may not align precisely with the details of the Scripture narrative, it beautifully captures the essence of Hagar's maternal anguish.

Indeed, a mother's love is a powerful and unyielding force, and despite the circumstances that led to their expulsion from their home, Hagar's primary concern was her son's welfare. As Ishmael's profane mockery of his infant brother had triggered their suffering and departure, Hagar's tears were shed more for her son's distress than for her own plight. In times of dire need, instinct often compels us to turn to prayer, and though the Scripture does not explicitly mention it, we can imagine Hagar seeking solace and supplication from Abraham's God in her hour of despair.

Amidst the desolation of their lonely surroundings, a glimmer of hope emerges as timely relief arrives. The angel of God appears with succor just when their situation appears hopeless. Water is miraculously provided, saving the boy's life and offering comforting assurances. Not only is the immediate crisis averted, but the angel also reaffirms previous promises made to Hagar (Genesis 16:10) regarding the extraordinary posterity that will descend from Ishmael, a multitude that cannot be numbered.

In conclusion, Hagar's trial in the desert serves as a poignant reminder of the depths of a mother's love and the solace found in prayer during times of great distress. The timely intervention of the angel illustrates the providential care and fulfillment of divine promises, bringing hope and relief amidst their hardship. This touching narrative captures the enduring power of faith and love, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity.

Details

Artist: Gustave Doré
Medium: engraving
Passage: Genesis 21:8-21

Found in: Genesis, Genesis 21

Genesis 21:8-21

8 The child grew, and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

9 Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking.

10 Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my son, Isaac.”

11 The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.

12 God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be named through Isaac.

13 I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.”

14 Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 The water in the bottle was spent, and she put the child under one of the shrubs.

16 She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of the child.” She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.

17 God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.

18 Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”

19 God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink.

20 God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.

21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother took a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 21:8-21 · World English Bible

The artist

Gustave Doré

1832 - 1883

Strasbourg, France

Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré (6 January 1832 – 23 January 1883) was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, comics artist, caricaturist, and sculptor who worked primarily with wood-engraving.