Who is Ishmael in the story of Abraham?
Ishmael is the son of Abraham. God heard Abraham concerning Ishmael, blessed him, and promised to make him fruitful, multiply him exceedingly, give him twelve princes, and make him a great nation. The context indicates God fulfilled this, as Arabs outnumber Jews 50 to 1.
Les explains that Ishmael is the son of Abraham. God told Abraham He had heard him concerning Ishmael, blessed him, and promised to make him fruitful, multiply him exceedingly, give him twelve princes, and make him a great nation. Les notes God fulfilled this: the Arabs outnumber the Jews 50 to 1 and have all the oil. However, God's covenant was established with Isaac, not Ishmael, for not all children of Abraham are children of the promise; only those through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes.
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.
More Questions
Did God keep His promises to Ishmael in Genesis 17?
God promised to bless Ishmael, make him fruitful, multiply him exceedingly, give him twelve princes, and make him a great nation, and God did do it.
Did God fulfill His promise to bless and multiply Ishmael?
God fulfilled His promise to Ishmael — He blessed him, made him fruitful, and multiplied him into a great nation — and the evidence today is that the Arabs outnumber the Jews 50 to 1 and possess all the oil.
Did the Abrahamic covenant continue through Isaac or through Ishmael?
The Abrahamic covenant did not pass through Ishmael; God continued it through Isaac and Isaac's descendants.
What did God promise to do for Ishmael, and did He keep it?
God promised regarding Ishmael that He would make him fruitful, multiply him exceedingly, give him twelve princes, and make him a great nation — and God did it.