Bible Figure
Ishmael
son of Abraham in the Hebrew bible, prophet in Islam
Ishmael was Abraham's son by Hagar, born before Isaac, and the ancestor of a large family that God promised to bless.
Biography
When Sarah remained barren, she gave Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar conceived Ishmael. Conflict arose in the household, but the angel of the Lord met the fleeing Hagar and promised numerous descendants through her son. Abraham loved Ishmael and asked that he might live under God's blessing. God promised to bless him and make him fruitful, while specifying that the covenant would be established through Isaac. Ishmael was circumcised with Abraham's household. After Isaac's birth, Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. God protected them in the wilderness and repeated the promise to make Ishmael a great nation. Genesis lists twelve sons of Ishmael and says he lived 137 years.
Biblical Significance
Ishmael demonstrates that God's covenant choice of Isaac did not mean indifference toward Abraham's other son. God heard, preserved, and blessed Ishmael while distinguishing those blessings from the covenant line carried through Isaac.