Topical Encyclopedia Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham, holds a significant place in biblical history as a pivotal figure in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is introduced as the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Ishmael's birth and subsequent life events are intricately tied to the themes of promise, faith, and divine providence.Birth and Early Life Ishmael's conception was a result of Sarah's impatience with God's promise of an heir to Abraham. In Genesis 16:1-4, Sarah, who was barren, gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife, hoping to build a family through her. Hagar conceived, and this led to tension between her and Sarah. The angel of the LORD appeared to Hagar in the wilderness, instructing her to return to Sarah and submit to her, while also promising that her offspring would be numerous. Ishmael was born when Abraham was eighty-six years old (Genesis 16:15-16). The Covenant and Ishmael's Role Despite Ishmael being Abraham's firstborn, God's covenant was to be established through Isaac, the son promised to Sarah. In Genesis 17:18-21, Abraham pleaded with God to bless Ishmael, and God assured him that Ishmael would indeed be blessed and become the father of twelve princes, making him a great nation. However, the covenant would be established with Isaac, whom Sarah would bear. Conflict and Separation The birth of Isaac, the child of promise, intensified the existing tension between Sarah and Hagar. In Genesis 21:8-10, during a feast celebrating Isaac's weaning, Sarah observed Ishmael mocking Isaac. This prompted her to demand that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, stating, "Cast out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac." Divine Intervention and Promise Abraham was distressed by Sarah's demand, as Ishmael was his son. However, God instructed Abraham to heed Sarah's voice, reassuring him that Ishmael would also become a nation because he was Abraham's offspring (Genesis 21:12-13). Early the next morning, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with provisions. They wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba, where their water supply was exhausted. In her despair, Hagar placed Ishmael under a shrub and wept at a distance, unable to watch her son die. God heard the boy's cries, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, saying, "Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies" (Genesis 21:17). God opened Hagar's eyes to a well of water, saving their lives. Ishmael grew up in the wilderness, became an archer, and settled in the Desert of Paran. His mother found him a wife from Egypt (Genesis 21:20-21). Legacy Ishmael's legacy is marked by the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation. He is recognized as the ancestor of the Ishmaelites, a nomadic people who played a significant role in the history of the Near East. His account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in blessing Abraham's descendants, even those outside the line of the covenant. Ishmael's life, though marked by separation and hardship, underscores the broader narrative of God's providential care and the unfolding of His divine plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:6-21And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. Nave's Topical Index Library The Story of Hagar and Ishmael Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. God's Care for the Boy Ishmael Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac What is Meant by Abraham's Marrying Keturah after Sarah's Death. Here Followeth the Life of Abraham Compassion for Souls The Death of Abraham Chapter xxviii Abraham's Four Surrenders Resources Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)? | GotQuestions.org Ishmael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ishmael: A Priest of the Exile Ishmael: A Son of Nethaniah: Defeated by Johanan, and Put to Flight Ishmael: Assassinated Gedaliah, Governor of Judah Under King of Babylon, and Takes Many Jews Captive Ishmael: One of the Captains of Hundreds Ishmael: Son of Abraham with Isaac Buries his Father Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Children of Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Circumcised Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Daughter of, Marries Esau Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Death of Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Prayer of Abraham For Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Promised to be the Father of a Nation Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Sent Away by Abraham Related Terms |
    |