Genesis 17:20 - As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
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What does "Genesis 17:20" mean?
Genesis 17:20 is God's response to Abraham's plea on behalf of his son Ishmael. Let's break down what each part of the verse means:
"As for Ishmael, I have heard you." This acknowledges Abraham's concern and love for Ishmael. Abraham had just been told that his wife Sarah would bear him a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant would be established. Abraham, understandably, wanted to ensure Ishmael's well-being too. God assures Abraham that He has heard and will answer his prayer for Ishmael.
"Behold, I have blessed him..." God promises to bless Ishmael, indicating He will bestow favor, prosperity, and well-being upon him.
"...and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly." This means Ishmael's descendants will be numerous and prosperous. He will have many children and his lineage will expand greatly.
"He will become the father of twelve princes..." This is a specific promise about Ishmael's offspring. The term "princes" suggests leaders or chieftains. This indicates that Ishmael's descendants will organize into a structured society with rulers. Notably, the number twelve often represents completeness or a well-defined group (like the twelve tribes of Israel).
"...and I will make him a great nation." This is a significant promise. While the covenant with Abraham would pass through Isaac, God promises that Ishmael will also become the progenitor of a large and influential nation. This does not mean a nation equal in standing to that which will come from Issac, who will eventually receive the specific Abrahamic Covenantal line from God, but a substantial nation nonetheless.
In Summary:
This verse is God's assurance to Abraham that Ishmael will be blessed, have many descendants, and become a great nation with twelve leaders. It emphasizes that while Isaac will be the heir to the covenant, Ishmael will also have a significant role in God's plan, albeit a different one. This demonstrates God's compassion and provision for all of Abraham's offspring.
Theological Significance:
God's Grace Extends Beyond the Covenant Line: While the primary covenant line runs through Isaac, God's grace and blessings are not limited to it. This highlights God's love and concern for all people.
Fulfillment in History: Traditionally, Muslims trace their lineage back to Ishmael through Hagar. The Arab world is very vast and wide, stretching across many countries across the modern middle east. The promise of a great nation has been seen by many as being fulfilled through the people who trace their origins to Ishmael.
Not a Promise of Salvation: It's important to note that this promise does not guarantee salvation or spiritual blessing. It's primarily a promise of earthly prosperity and national significance. The salvation of souls for both the Jews and Gentiles comes by way of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (Yeshua), the Savior.
Genesis 17:20 - As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
What does "Genesis 17:20" mean?
Genesis 17:20 is God's response to Abraham's plea on behalf of his son Ishmael. Let's break down what each part of the verse means:
"As for Ishmael, I have heard you." This acknowledges Abraham's concern and love for Ishmael. Abraham had just been told that his wife Sarah would bear him a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant would be established. Abraham, understandably, wanted to ensure Ishmael's well-being too. God assures Abraham that He has heard and will answer his prayer for Ishmael.
"Behold, I have blessed him..." God promises to bless Ishmael, indicating He will bestow favor, prosperity, and well-being upon him.
"...and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly." This means Ishmael's descendants will be numerous and prosperous. He will have many children and his lineage will expand greatly.
"He will become the father of twelve princes..." This is a specific promise about Ishmael's offspring. The term "princes" suggests leaders or chieftains. This indicates that Ishmael's descendants will organize into a structured society with rulers. Notably, the number twelve often represents completeness or a well-defined group (like the twelve tribes of Israel).
"...and I will make him a great nation." This is a significant promise. While the covenant with Abraham would pass through Isaac, God promises that Ishmael will also become the progenitor of a large and influential nation. This does not mean a nation equal in standing to that which will come from Issac, who will eventually receive the specific Abrahamic Covenantal line from God, but a substantial nation nonetheless.
In Summary:
This verse is God's assurance to Abraham that Ishmael will be blessed, have many descendants, and become a great nation with twelve leaders. It emphasizes that while Isaac will be the heir to the covenant, Ishmael will also have a significant role in God's plan, albeit a different one. This demonstrates God's compassion and provision for all of Abraham's offspring.
Theological Significance:
God's Grace Extends Beyond the Covenant Line: While the primary covenant line runs through Isaac, God's grace and blessings are not limited to it. This highlights God's love and concern for all people.
Fulfillment in History: Traditionally, Muslims trace their lineage back to Ishmael through Hagar. The Arab world is very vast and wide, stretching across many countries across the modern middle east. The promise of a great nation has been seen by many as being fulfilled through the people who trace their origins to Ishmael.
Not a Promise of Salvation: It's important to note that this promise does not guarantee salvation or spiritual blessing. It's primarily a promise of earthly prosperity and national significance. The salvation of souls for both the Jews and Gentiles comes by way of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (Yeshua), the Savior.