“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis where God establishes His covenant with Abram (later renamed Abraham) and promises him that he will be the father of many nations. In this specific verse, God addresses Ishmael, the son of Abram and Hagar, and assures him of His blessings and promises.
Context: The context of Genesis 17:20 is important to understand its significance fully. Earlier in Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai (later renamed Sarah) took matters into their own hands when they believed that God’s promise of a son was delayed. Sarai suggested that Abram have a child with her maidservant, Hagar, which resulted in the birth of Ishmael. However, Ishmael was not the child of promise through whom God’s covenant would be fulfilled. God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17 and promised him a son through Sarah, who would be named Isaac.
God’s acknowledgment: In this verse, God assures Abraham that He has heard his plea regarding Ishmael. Despite not being the child of promise, Ishmael holds a special place in God’s plan. It is important to note that God did not overlook Ishmael; instead, He blessed him and promised to make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly.
Twelve princes and a great nation: God declares that Ishmael will become the father of twelve princes, indicating that his descendants would form twelve distinct tribes or ruling families. Additionally, God promises to make Ishmael a great nation, indicating that his lineage will be numerous and influential.
Fulfillment of the promise: This verse demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. Although Ishmael was not the chosen heir through whom the covenant blessings would flow, God still bestows blessings upon him and ensures his prosperity.
Historical significance: The promise to make Ishmael a great nation finds fulfillment in the history of the Arab people. Ishmael is considered the forefather of the Arab nations, and his descendants played a significant role in the Middle Eastern region throughout history.
Overall, Genesis 17:20 showcases God’s grace and inclusivity even within His chosen people. Though Ishmael was not the child of promise, God blessed him and ensured his prosperity. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises in different ways, while also establishing the historical significance of Ishmael and his descendants in the broader biblical narrative.
