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.
And concerning Ishmael, I have heard your prayer: Look, I have blessed him, and I will make him have many children, and I will multiply his descendants greatly; he will father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
God is assuring Abraham that He has heard his prayer for Ishmael and promises to bless him with many descendants who will become a great nation led by twelve princes.
📚 Historical Context
This promise comes after God established His covenant with Abraham through Isaac, but Abraham was concerned about his firstborn son Ishmael's future. Ishmael was born to Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian servant, and Abraham loved him deeply. God's promise here shows His compassion for both Abraham's paternal heart and Ishmael's place in His broader plan for the nations.
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