and he grew up
Ishmael's growth signifies not only physical maturation but also the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar. This growth can be seen as a metaphor for the development of nations, as Ishmael is traditionally considered the ancestor of various Arab tribes. The narrative underscores the importance of God's timing and sovereignty in the unfolding of His plans.

and settled in the wilderness
The wilderness, often a place of testing and transformation in the Bible, becomes Ishmael's home. This setting is significant as it reflects a life of independence and resilience. The wilderness of Paran, where Ishmael settled, is located in the Sinai Peninsula, a region known for its harsh conditions. This environment shaped Ishmael's character and the lifestyle of his descendants, who became known for their nomadic and survival skills.

and became a great archer
Ishmael's skill as an archer highlights his ability to thrive in the wilderness, a necessary skill for survival and protection. Archery is often associated with strength and prowess in ancient cultures. This detail connects to the prophecy given to Hagar that Ishmael would be "a wild donkey of a man" (Genesis 16:12), living in freedom and independence. The motif of the archer can also be seen in other biblical texts, such as the description of Esau (Genesis 27:3), and serves as a symbol of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.

“And God was with the boy” (Genesis 21:20).

• Divine presence is personal and protective. The Lord’s promise to Hagar—“I will make him a great nation” (Genesis 21:18)—is actively unfolding.

• Similar wording appears with Isaac (Genesis 26:24), Jacob (Genesis 28:15), Joseph (Genesis 39:2), and Israel as a nation (Deuteronomy 31:6). Each case shows that when God is “with” someone, His guidance and favor accompany them through every circumstance.

• God’s faithfulness here confirms His earlier word in Genesis 17:20: “As for Ishmael, I have heard you… I will surely bless him.” The scene underscores that every divine promise is literally carried out.

“and he grew up” (Genesis 21:20).

• Growth means more than aging; it is evidence that God’s sustenance continued in the harsh desert environment.

• Scripture often notes a child’s maturation to mark God’s ongoing work—Samuel “continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:26), and Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom” (Luke 2:40).

• The verse compresses years into a phrase, reminding us that what seems slow to us is sure and steady in God’s timetable.

“and settled in the wilderness” (Genesis 21:20).

• Verse 21 identifies the location as the Wilderness of Paran, south of Canaan. Life there required resilience and dependence on God’s provision—paralleling Israel’s later desert wanderings (Deuteronomy 8:15–16).

• Wilderness settings in Scripture often serve as training grounds: Moses in Midian (Exodus 2:15), David in Judah (1 Samuel 23:14), Elijah by the brook (1 Kings 17:3–4). God forms character away from the comforts of settled life.

• Ishmael’s residence outside Canaan also foreshadows his descendants dwelling “from Havilah to Shur” (Genesis 25:18), fulfilling the prophecy of Genesis 16:12 that he would live “to the east of all his brothers.”

“and became a great archer” (Genesis 21:20).

• Mastery of the bow signifies survival skills, self-reliance, and readiness for leadership in a desert culture.

• Archery imagery later describes Ishmael’s offspring: Kedar’s bowmen (Isaiah 21:17) and the sons of Benjamin noted for “mighty men of valor… who could shoot arrows” (1 Chronicles 8:40).

• This ability also aligns with the earlier word, “He will be a wild donkey of a man” (Genesis 16:12), depicting independence and strength. God’s blessing endowed Ishmael with the competencies necessary to thrive and to found a populous lineage.

Genesis 21:20 shows God’s faithful presence shaping Ishmael’s life: the Lord stays with him, sustains his growth, plants him in a demanding wilderness, and equips him with notable skill. Each phrase testifies that God’s promises to Hagar and Abraham are literally fulfilled, demonstrating His unwavering care even outside the covenant line of Isaac.

And dwelt in the wilderness.--He sought no refuge in Egypt, where so large a Semitic population was gathering, nor in any Canaanite town, but took to the wandering life in the desert, such as is still usual with the Arabs.

An archer.--Heb., a shooter of bowshots. Another explanation, from a verb signifying to multiply, or be great, is not tenable.

(1) when he grew up, an archer, or man using the bow (Gesenius, Keil);

(2) growing an archer, or acquiring skill as a bowman (Kalisch, Wordsworth); or

(3) growing, or multiplying into, a tribe of archers (Murphy). With the first of these substantially agree the renderings καὶ ἀγένετο τοξότης (LXX), and factus est juvenis sagittarius (Vulgate). Others, connecting רֹבֶה with רָבַכ, in the sense of to cast arrows (cf. Genesis 49:23), read, . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...