Genesis 17:18 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And Abraham said to God, 'Oh, I wish that Ishmael could live under your blessing!'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Abraham is pleading with God to include his son Ishmael in the covenant promises, hoping God will bless and accept him too.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs during God's covenant with Abraham when God promised that Sarah would bear Isaac. Abraham had already fathered Ishmael through Sarah's servant Hagar, and at this moment, Ishmael was his only son and heir. Abraham's plea shows his deep love for Ishmael and his desire that this beloved son would receive God's covenant blessings.

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Genesis 17:20

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.

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