Genesis 21:13
And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God reassures Abraham that even Ishmael, born to a slave woman, will be blessed with a great nation. This highlights God's expansive mercy and plan, showing that His promises and blessings aren't limited by human circumstances or even perceived family disputes, extending His favor beyond Abraham's immediate lineage as originally conceived.
God is speaking to Abraham after Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. The LORD reassures Abraham that even though Ishmael is being cast out, he will still become the father of a great nation because he is Abraham's offspring. This promise is given to comfort Abraham amid his grief and to affirm that God's plan for a chosen lineage will continue through Isaac.
Even though Ishmael was born out of less-than-ideal circumstances, God still promises him a future. How does this show God's grace at work?
The promise made to Abraham about Ishmael isn't based on Ishmael's actions or status. It's a direct fulfillment of God's word to Abraham.
Ishmael's mocking of Isaac and Sarah's reaction led to their banishment. How did God use this difficult family moment to fulfill His purposes?
The tension and eventual separation between Ishmael and Isaac weren't just a family drama; they were instrumental in God's plan.
Understand the original words
goy · Hebrew Noun
A large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language; in the Old Testament, often used to refer to a people group under God's providence.
This verse is spoken by God to Abraham immediately after Sarah insists on expelling Hagar and Ishmael. It reassures Abraham that even the son born of a servant, who is about to be cast out, will not be forgotten by God, but will also become the ancestor of a great people.
c. 1894 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, gives birth to Ishmael, Abraham's first son, during a period of doubt regarding Sarah's ability to conceive.
c. 1879 BC
Birth of Isaac
Sarah, contrary to natural expectations, gives birth to Isaac, the son of promise, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham.
c. 1877 BC— this verse
Feast for Isaac's Weaning
A celebratory feast is held for Isaac, during which Ishmael mocks the child, leading to Sarah's demand for Ishmael and Hagar's expulsion.
c. 1877 BC
Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael
Abraham, though grieved, sends Hagar and Ishmael away into the wilderness, trusting God's promise for Ishmael's future.
This verse directly echoes the promise made to Abraham earlier, confirming that Ishmael would indeed become the father of a great nation, thus reinforcing the divine plan for both sons.
Galatians 4:22-31The Apostle Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah, and their sons Ishmael and Isaac, as an allegory for the contrast between the Old Covenant (law) and the New Covenant (grace), showing how Ishmael represents those born according to the flesh, while Isaac represents those born of the Spirit.
Genesis 16:10This earlier prophecy to Hagar directly corresponds to God's promise here, demonstrating that Ishmael's future as a nation was foretold even before this specific interaction with Abraham.
Romans 9:7-8Paul references this event to explain that not all of Abraham's physical descendants are automatically children of promise, clarifying that the true 'offspring' are those born according to God's unique plan, like Isaac.
Genesis 21:18This verse shows God's continued care and promise for Ishmael even after his banishment, highlighting that God's plans for him are being fulfilled concurrently with Isaac's destiny.
gillGenesis 21:13: "And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed."
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation,.... A great nation, as is promised, Genesis 17:20 ; and such the Ishmaelites and Saracens have been, and the Turks now are, the descendants of Ishmael. The Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it, a people of thieves, or a thieving people; as were the Saracens, and who are thought to have that name from the Arabic word "sarac" (y), to thieve; t…
calvinGenesis 21:1-34: "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken."
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Et dixit Deus ad Abraham, Ne displiceat in oculis tuis super puero, et super ancilla tua: in omnibus quae dixerit tibi Sarah, audi vocem ejus: quia in Ishac vocabitur…
God reassures Abraham that even Ishmael, born to a slave woman, will be blessed with a great nation. This highlights God's expansive mercy and plan, showing that His promises and blessings aren't limited by human circumstances or even perceived family disputes, extending His favor beyond Abraham's immediate lineage as originally conceived.
God is speaking to Abraham after Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. The LORD reassures Abraham that even though Ishmael is being cast out, he will still become the father of a great nation because he is Abraham's offspring. This promise is given to comfort Abraham amid his grief and to affirm that God's plan for a chosen lineage will continue through Isaac.
God is speaking to Abraham after Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. The LORD reassures Abraham that even though Ishmael is being cast out, he will still become the father of a great nation because he is Abraham's offspring. This promise is given to comfort Abraham amid his grief and to affirm that God's plan for a chosen lineage will continue through Isaac.
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c. 1877 BC
God's Intervention in the Wilderness
An angel of God finds Hagar and Ishmael near death from thirst, reveals a well of water, and reaffirms God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation.
c. 1877 BC
Ishmael Settles in the Wilderness of Paran
Ishmael grows up in the wilderness and becomes an archer, with his mother obtaining an Egyptian wife for him.
"And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.”" — God reassures Abraham that even Ishmael, born to a slave woman, will be blessed with a great nation. This highlights God's expansive mercy and plan, showing that His promises and blessings aren't lim…
