Ishmael
malePatriarchalMeaning: “God hears”
The son of Abraham and Hagar, circumcised in Abraham’s household and promised to become a great nation; ancestor of twelve princes.
Biography
Ishmael is the firstborn son of Abraham, born to Hagar. Though not the child of covenant promise, he was deeply loved by Abraham and was the recipient of God's own promise of a great nation.
God hears
His name, given before birth, means "God hears" — a memorial that the LORD heard Hagar's affliction (Genesis 16:11). At thirteen Ishmael was circumcised with Abraham (Genesis 17:25), included in the household of faith.
Sent away, yet blessed
After Isaac's birth, tension led to Ishmael and Hagar being sent into the wilderness, where God preserved them (Genesis 21). God promised to make Ishmael "a great nation" and that he would father "twelve princes" (Genesis 17:20; 25:16). Ishmael "became an archer" and dwelt in the wilderness of Paran (Genesis 21:20–21).
His end
Ishmael lived 137 years (Genesis 25:17). At Abraham's death, both Isaac and Ishmael came together to bury their father at Machpelah (Genesis 25:9), a quiet note of reconciliation between the half-brothers.
Life Timeline
Born to Abraham and Hagar
Circumcised at age thirteen with Abraham’s household
Sent into the wilderness; preserved by God
Helps Isaac bury their father Abraham
Dies at the age of 137
On the Bible timeline
Ishmael belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Ishmael
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Ishmael appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
7 verses in 1 bookGenesis7 verses
Genesis 16:11
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.
Genesis 16:15
And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
Genesis 17:20
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 17:25
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Genesis 21:20
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
Genesis 25:9
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
Genesis 25:17
And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
Frequently asked about Ishmael
Who was Ishmael in the Bible?
The son of Abraham and Hagar, circumcised in Abraham’s household and promised to become a great nation; ancestor of twelve princes.
What does the name Ishmael mean?
The name Ishmael means “God hears”.
What did Ishmael do in the Bible?
Ishmael served as archer, nomad, of the tribe of Hebrew.
Who were Ishmael's parents?
Ishmael was the child of Abraham, Hagar.
Where does Ishmael appear in the Bible?
Ishmael is mentioned 7 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Ishmael?
The story of Ishmael touches on themes of abraham, afflictions and adversities, circumcision, first born, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Ishmael's life.
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