Ishmael

Ishmael was the first son of Abraham, born to him through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant (Genesis 16:15). His birth came after Sarah, who was barren, had given Hagar to Abraham to bear a child on her behalf. God spoke to Hagar, telling her to name the child Ishmael, meaning "God hears" (Genesis 16:11). As he grew, Ishmael became a skilled archer (Genesis 21:20). When Isaac was born to Sarah, she insisted that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away (Genesis 21:10). God confirmed this action but promised to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:13,18). Ishmael settled in the wilderness of Paran and married an Egyptian woman (Genesis 21:21). Ishmael had twelve sons who became tribal rulers (Genesis 17:20; 25.13-16). He lived to be 137 years old (Genesis 25:17). Ishmael and Isaac together buried their father Abraham (Genesis 25:9). Ishmael's descendants, the Ishmaelites, are mentioned as traders who purchased Joseph from his brothers (Genesis 37:25-28; 39.1). They are also noted as skilled archers (Isaiah 21:17) and as enemies of Israel (Psalms 83:6). One of David's warriors, Zebadiah, was the son of an Ishmaelite (1 Chronicles 2:17; 27.30). Ishmael represents the ancestors of various Arab tribes. His story illustrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even to those not chosen for the primary covenant line.