Hagar, Ishmael, and the Covenant of Circumcision
The story of Hagar, Ishmael, and the covenant of circumcision explores themes of faith, lineage, and God's promise.
Hagar, Ishmael, and the Covenant of Circumcision
Genesis
16:1-16
1. Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3. And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
4. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
5. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
6. But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
7. And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13. And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
14. Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15. And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16. And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
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NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Hagar, Ishmael, and the Covenant of Circumcision
- Macro closeup of a flint knife, worn and stained with blood, beside a single drop of blood on cracked desert earth. The sun beats down.
- Macro closeup of Ishmael's hand, small and dirt-stained, clutching a withered piece of desert plant. A single tear runs down his cheek.
- Bright morning sun illuminates Hagar and Ishmael huddled beneath a gnarled acacia tree in the desert. Scattered dates lie nearby, offering little sustenance. Orange and yellow hues dominate the scene.
- Hagar and Ishmael walking toward a distant oasis in a sun-drenched landscape at dawn. The sand is golden, and the sky is a vibrant mixture of oranges and yellows. The air shimmers with heat.
- Evening light casts long shadows as Hagar, weary and thin, sits beside Ishmael, who is sleeping peacefully under the stars, in a desolate desert landscape. The sky is a fiery orange and purple.
- An evening scene in the desert, with a lone acacia tree silhouetted against a breathtaking sunset. The sky is a mixture of deep blues, oranges, and purples. The overall feel should evoke loneliness and hope.
- Hagar, her face etched with worry, prepares a meager meal of dates and water for Ishmael at the break of dawn. The desert stretches behind them, vast and unforgiving.
- Morning scene showing Abraham, his face lined with age and concern, observing Hagar and Ishmael from a distance. He is dressed in simple robes, looking troubled.
- Night scene showing Hagar cradling Ishmael, who is asleep, beneath the stars. The scene is peaceful yet somber, reflecting their precarious situation.
- A nighttime scene depicts Hagar praying under the desert stars, her silhouette stark against the bright celestial backdrop. The sand is textured; she looks up at the stars with hope and desperation.
- A detail-oriented depiction of the circumcision ritual, focusing on the tools and the act itself. The scene is understated, without any overt religious symbols, yet the act is clear and evocative.
- A close-up view of a worn leather water skin, partially filled with murky water, nestled next to a small, almost empty pouch of dates in the desert sand, evocative of scarcity and survival.
General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Hagar and Ishmael; Promise of Isaac
A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.
Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book
Abraham and Isaac: A Promise Fulfilled
Abraham's Sacrifice: A Test of Faith
Abram's Victories and God's Covenant
Cain and Abel: A Brother's Jealousy
Call of Abram: A Journey of Faith
Creation of the World: Genesis - A New Beginning
Esau's Lineage and Joseph's Dreams
Hagar, Ishmael, and the Covenant of Circumcision
Isaac and Rebekah: A Covenant of Love
Jacob and Esau: A Tale of Two Brothers
Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation
Jacob's Return: A Son's Repentance
Jacob's Blessing and Dream: A Promise Fulfilled
Jacob's Marriages and Children
Joseph's Rise and Israel's Settlement
Nations and the Tower of Babel
Sodom and Gomorrah: Destruction and Divine Justice
The Fall of Humanity: A Broken Covenant
The Flood Begins: Genesis - A World Submerged
The Flood Recedes: God's Covenant with Noah
Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)