Old Testament · Patriarchs

Ishmael

Who was Ishmael?

Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn son through Hagar, blessed by God to become a great nation.

RoleFirst son of Abraham, by Hagar
EraPatriarchs
FatherAbraham
MotherHagar
PromiseA great nation, twelve princes

Born to Hagar before Isaac, Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn. God promised to make him into a great nation, with twelve princes among his descendants.

After Isaac’s birth, tension led to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away, but God preserved them in the desert and was “with the boy as he grew up.”

Ishmael lived as a desert dweller and returned with Isaac to bury their father Abraham.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Genesis 16:11 “The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.” Genesis 21:20 “And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer.”
Related people
AbrahamHagarIsaac
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.