Ishmael
“God hears”
Summary
The son of Abraham by Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian handmaid, who became the progenitor of twelve princes and the Arab nations.
☩Birth and Early Life
When Sarah remained childless, she gave her Egyptian handmaid Hagar to Abraham as a concubine, according to the custom of the time. Hagar conceived and bore Ishmael when Abraham was eighty-six years old. The name Ishmael, meaning 'God hears,' was given by the angel who appeared to the fleeing Hagar, promising that her son would become a great nation. Ishmael was circumcised at age thirteen when Abraham instituted the covenant sign.
☩Expulsion from Abraham's House
After Isaac's birth, Sarah observed Ishmael mocking at the feast celebrating Isaac's weaning. She demanded that Abraham cast out Hagar and her son, declaring that the son of the bondwoman should not inherit with Isaac. Though grieved, Abraham obeyed God's confirmation of Sarah's demand. God promised to make Ishmael a nation because he was Abraham's seed, and the angel of God rescued Hagar and Ishmael when their water was exhausted in the wilderness of Beersheba.
☩Later Life and Descendants
Ishmael grew and dwelt in the wilderness of Paran, becoming an expert archer. His mother obtained a wife for him from Egypt. He had twelve sons, who became princes of their respective tribes, fulfilling God's promise. These Ishmaelites settled in the region from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt toward Assyria. Ishmael lived 137 years and was buried by his sons Isaac and himself at the cave of Machpelah.
☩Reconciliation with Isaac
Despite their separation in youth, Ishmael and Isaac together buried their father Abraham at Machpelah. This suggests some reconciliation between the half-brothers. Esau later married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath, showing continued connection between the families. The Ishmaelite traders who purchased Joseph were descendants of Ishmael, linking the patriarchal narratives.
☩Theological Significance
Paul uses Ishmael allegorically in Galatians to represent those born according to the flesh, contrasting with Isaac who represents those born according to the Spirit and promise. Ishmael's birth through human scheming, rather than patient faith in God's promise, illustrates the difference between works and grace. Though blessed temporally, Ishmael did not inherit the covenant promises, which belonged exclusively to Isaac's line.
Related Verses50 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ishmael," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ishmael," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).