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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 17:15–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The promise made to Abraham of a son by Sarai, that son in whom the promise made to him should be fulfilled, that he should be the father of many nations; for she also shall be a mother of nations, and kings of people shall be of her, Gen 17:16. Note, 1. God reveals the purposes of his good-will to his people by degrees. God had told Abraham long before that he should have a son, but never till now that he should have a son by Sarai. 2. The blessing of the Lord makes fruitful, and adds no sorrow with it, no such sorrow as was in Hagar's case. "I will bless her with the blessing of fruitfulness, and then thou shalt have a son of her." 3. Civil government and order are a great blessing to the church. It is promised, not only that people, but kings of people, should be of her; not a headless rout, but a well-modelled well-governed society.
II.The ratification of this promise was the change of Sarai's name into Sarah (Gen 17:15), the same letter being added to her name that was to Abraham's, and for the same reasons. Sarai signifies my princess, as if her honour were confined to one family only. Sarah signifies a princess - namely, of multitudes, or signifying that from her should come the Messiah the prince, even the prince of the kings of the earth.
III.Abraham's joyful, thankful, entertainment of this gracious promise, Gen 17:17. Upon this occasion he expressed,
1.Great humility: He fell on his face. Note, The more honours and favours God confers upon us the lower we should be in our own eyes, and the more reverent and submissive before God.
2.Great joy: He laughed. It was a laughter of delight, not of distrust. Note, Even the promises of a holy God, as well as his performances, are the joys of holy souls; there is the joy of faith as well as the joy of fruition. Now it was that Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day. Now he saw it and was glad (Joh 8:56); for, as he saw heaven in the promise of Canaan, so he saw Christ in the promise of Isaac.
3.Great admiration: Shall a child be born to him that is a hundred years old? He does not here speak of it as at all doubtful (for we are sure that he staggered not at the promise, Rom 4:20), but as very wonderful and that which could not be effected but by the almighty power of God, and as very kind, and a favour which was the more affecting and obliging for this, that it was extremely surprising, Psa 126:1, Psa 126:2.
IV.Abraham's prayer for Ishmael:
O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18. This he speaks, not as desiring that Ishmael might be preferred before the son he should have by Sarah; but, dreading lest he should be abandoned and forsaken of God, he puts up this petition on his behalf. Now that God is talking with him he thinks he has a very fair opportunity to speak a good word for Ishmael, and he will not let it slip. Note,
1.Though we ought not to prescribe to God, yet he gives us leave, in prayer, to be humbly free with him, and particular in making known our requests, Phi 4:6. Whatever is the matter of our care and fear should be spread before God in prayer.
2.It is the duty of parents to pray for their children, for all their children, as Job, who offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all, Job 1:5. Abraham would not have it thought that, when God promised him a son by Sarah, which he so much desired, then his son by Hagar was forgotten; no, still he bears him upon his heart, and shows a concern for him. The prospect of further favours must not make us unmindful of former favours.
3.The great thing we should desire of God for our children is that they may live before him, that is, that they may be kept in covenant with him, and may have grace to walk before him in their uprightness. Spiritual blessings are the best blessings, and those for which we should be most earnest with God, both for ourselves and others. Those live well that live before God.
V.God's answer to his prayer; and it is an answer of peace. Abraham could not say that he sought God's face in vain.
1.Common blessings are secured to Ishmael (Gen 17:20): As for Ishmael, whom thou art in so much care about, I have heard thee; he shall find favour for thy sake; I have blessed him, that is, I have many blessings in store for him.
(1.)His posterity shall be numerous: I will multiply him exceedingly, more than his neighbours. This is the fruit of the blessing, as that, Gen 1:28.
(2.)They shall be considerable: Twelve princes shall he beget. We may charitably hope that spiritual blessings also were bestowed upon him, though the visible church was not brought out of his loins and the covenant was not lodged in his family. Note, Great plenty of outward good things is often given to those children of godly parents who are born after the flesh, for their parents' sake.
2.Covenant blessings are reserved for Isaac, and appropriated to him, Gen 17:19, Gen 17:21. If Abraham, in his prayer for Ishmael, meant that he would have the covenant made with him, and the promised seed to come from him, then God did not answer him in the letter, but in that which was equivalent, nay, which was every way better.
(1.)God repeats to him the promise of a son by Sarah: She shall bear thee a son indeed. Note, Even true believers need to have God's promises doubled and repeated to them, that they may have strong consolation, Heb 6:18. Again, Children of the promise are children indeed.
(2.)He names that child - calls him Isaac, laughter, because Abraham rejoiced in spirit when this son was promised him. Note, If God's promises be our joy, his mercies promised shall in due time be our exceeding joy. Christ will be laughter to those that look for him; those that now rejoice in hope shall shortly rejoice in having that which they hope for: this is laughter that is not mad.
(3.)He entails the covenant upon that child: I will establish my covenant with him. Note, God takes whom he pleases into covenant with himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. See Rom 9:8, Rom 9:18. Thus was the covenant settled between God and Abraham, with its several limitations and remainders, and then the conference ended: God left off talking with him, and the vision disappeared, God went up from Abraham. Note, Our communion with God here is broken and interrupted; in heaven it will be a continual and everlasting feast.
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Summary
Genesis 17:20 presents God's gracious and sovereign response to Abraham's heartfelt intercession for Ishmael, assuring him of substantial divine blessings despite the primary covenant promise being established through Isaac. This pivotal verse reveals God's expansive mercy and faithfulness, pledging to make Ishmael exceedingly fruitful, multiply his descendants, raise twelve princes from his lineage, and ultimately establish him as a great nation, thereby demonstrating the breadth of divine care that extends beyond the immediate covenant line.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Abrahamic covenant's reaffirmation and expansion in Genesis chapter 17. Prior to this verse, God has appeared to Abraham (formerly Abram) at 99 years old, establishing circumcision as the sign of the covenant and changing his name to Abraham ("father of many nations"). Crucially, God explicitly promises Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established and perpetuated (Genesis 17:15-19). Abraham, out of paternal love and concern for Ishmael, his son by Hagar, interjects with a plea in Genesis 17:18, "O that Ishmael might live before thee!" Verse 20 is God's direct, comprehensive, and compassionate answer to this specific intercession, demonstrating His attentiveness to Abraham's prayers even as He clarifies the distinct paths of Isaac and Ishmael.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, lineage and progeny were paramount, signifying a man's legacy, wealth, and status. The concept of a "great nation" was tied to numerical strength, military power, and territorial influence. The practice of having children through a servant if the primary wife was barren (as with Hagar and Ishmael) was a culturally accepted, though often problematic, means of securing an heir. However, God's promise of a son through Sarah, despite her advanced age, defied natural and cultural expectations, highlighting the miraculous and sovereign nature of His covenant. Ishmael's future as a "great nation" would resonate with Abraham's understanding of national identity and power, even as it distinguished Ishmael's destiny from the unique redemptive purpose of Isaac's lineage.
Key Themes
Genesis chapter 17 is rich with theological themes that Genesis 17:20 contributes to. Firstly, it underscores the theme of God's Faithfulness to His Promises, demonstrating that God fulfills His word, even when it extends beyond the immediate covenant line. Secondly, the verse highlights Divine Sovereignty, showing God's absolute control over the destinies of individuals and nations, orchestrating their growth and development. Thirdly, it reveals the Expansiveness of God's Grace and Mercy, as He extends significant blessings to Ishmael, who is not the covenant heir, in response to Abraham's prayer. This distinguishes between God's specific redemptive covenant (through Isaac) and His broader, common grace that sustains and blesses all humanity. Finally, it foreshadows the Origin of Nations, setting the stage for the future development of both the Israelite nation through Isaac and the Arab peoples through Ishmael, all under God's providential care.
Exposition and Analysis
God's response in Genesis 17:20 is a profound testament to His attentiveness, sovereignty, and multifaceted grace. It is a direct and compassionate answer to Abraham's intercession, revealing the depth of divine care.
Key Word Analysis
H1288 (bârak) is a primitive root meaning "to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit)." Here, it signifies God bestowing favor, prosperity, and well-being upon Ishmael. It implies a divine act of empowerment for flourishing, indicating God's active intention for Ishmael's good.
H7235 (râbâh) is a primitive root meaning "to increase (in whatever respect)." Its use here, especially when paired with "exceedingly" (H3966, mᵉʼôd), emphasizes a vast and abundant increase in Ishmael's descendants. This promise of exponential growth is a hallmark of God's covenant blessings, signifying a large and thriving lineage.
H1419 (gâdôwl) means "great (in any sense)" and H1471 (gôwy) refers to "a foreign nation" or "a Gentile." The combination signifies a people of significant size, influence, and prominence. This promise assures Ishmael's descendants of a distinct national identity and considerable stature among the peoples of the earth, mirroring the language used for Abraham's primary covenant line.
Verse Breakdown
"And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee:"
This opening clause immediately affirms God's personal engagement with Abraham's heartfelt plea for his son. It underscores God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people, even when those prayers concern matters secondary to His ultimate redemptive plan. It is a direct divine affirmation of Abraham's paternal concern.
"Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly;"
This segment details the comprehensive nature of God's blessing upon Ishmael. The past tense "I have blessed him" indicates an ongoing or already established favor, while the future tense "will make him fruitful" and "will multiply him exceedingly" promises a vast and abundant increase in his progeny. The repetition of "exceedingly" (H3966, mᵉʼôd) emphasizes the extraordinary degree of this multiplication, signifying a large and thriving lineage.
"twelve princes shall he beget,"
This is a highly specific and remarkable prophecy. It directly parallels the future formation of the twelve tribes of Israel from Jacob (Isaac's son), highlighting God's sovereign ordering of nations and His detailed foreknowledge. This promise ensures that Ishmael's descendants will form distinct, organized, and influential groups, each led by a recognized leader.
"and I will make him a great nation."
This concluding promise encapsulates the overall destiny of Ishmael's lineage. The phrase "great nation" (H1419, gâdôwl H1471, gôwy) signifies a people of considerable size, influence, and prominence. It is the same language used to describe the future of Abraham's descendants through Isaac (Genesis 12:2), underscoring the substantial nature of the blessing Ishmael would receive, foretelling the rise of the Arab peoples.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. Divine Address is prominent, as God directly responds to Abraham's prayer, emphasizing His personal and relational nature. The use of Repetition in "exceedingly" (Hebrew: mᵉʼôd mᵉʼôd) serves as an intensive, highlighting the extraordinary abundance of the promised multiplication. There is clear Parallelism between the promises made to Ishmael (twelve princes, great nation) and those made to Isaac's lineage (twelve tribes, great nation), though with distinct covenantal implications. This parallelism underscores God's sovereign hand in the destinies of both lines. Furthermore, the passage functions as a Prophecy, detailing specific future outcomes for Ishmael's descendants, which would later be fulfilled in the biblical narrative and historical record, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and unwavering commitment to His word.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 17:20 profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive sovereignty and the multifaceted nature of His grace. While the Abrahamic covenant's redemptive line is explicitly established through Isaac, God's compassionate response to Abraham's prayer for Ishmael demonstrates a broader, common grace that extends beyond the elect lineage. This passage affirms that God hears the prayers of His people, even those concerning individuals outside the immediate covenant promises, and that His blessings are not limited to the chosen few but can encompass all humanity in various forms. It also highlights the reliability of God's prophetic word, as the specific promises concerning Ishmael's descendants are meticulously fulfilled in subsequent history.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 17:20 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. Firstly, it reassures us of God's attentiveness to our prayers. Even when our petitions may not align perfectly with His ultimate redemptive plan, God hears and often responds with tangible blessings, demonstrating His compassion and personal engagement with our concerns. Abraham's intercession for Ishmael, born of a father's love, was honored by God with a comprehensive promise of prosperity. Secondly, this verse powerfully illustrates the expansive nature of God's grace. It reminds us that God's goodness and blessings are not confined solely to those within a specific covenant or chosen lineage but extend broadly to all humanity, manifesting as common grace. This should cultivate a deeper trust in God's boundless mercy and encourage us to pray not only for ourselves and our immediate circle but for all people, recognizing God's universal care. It also serves as a historical and theological anchor, helping us understand the origins and destinies of diverse peoples within God's sovereign plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Abraham pray for Ishmael if Isaac was the promised son?
Abraham's prayer in Genesis 17:18, "O that Ishmael might live before thee!", arose from a deep, natural paternal love and concern for his existing son. Although God had just explicitly revealed His plan for Isaac to be the covenant heir, Abraham had lived for years believing Ishmael was the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. His prayer was a heartfelt expression of his desire for God's blessing and recognition upon Ishmael's life, demonstrating a compassionate heart that sought God's favor for all his children, even as he submitted to God's ultimate plan. This shows Abraham's humanity and God's gracious response to it.
Does "great nation" for Ishmael diminish the promise to Isaac?
No, the promise of a "great nation" for Ishmael (Genesis 17:20) does not diminish the unique and distinct covenant promise made to Isaac. While both were indeed to become "great nations," the nature and purpose of their greatness differed significantly. Isaac's lineage was chosen to carry the specific redemptive covenant, through whom the Messiah would come and through whom all the families of the earth would ultimately be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Ishmael's blessing was one of common grace, national prosperity, and numerical strength, distinct from the redemptive covenant that would lead to Christ. God's ability to bless both demonstrates His expansive sovereignty and His multifaceted plan for humanity, without conflating their distinct roles in His overarching purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Genesis 17:20 primarily describes God's common grace and sovereign ordering of nations, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the broader context of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, especially the Abrahamic covenant. The meticulous fulfillment of God's promises to Ishmael, even outside the direct covenant line, serves as a powerful testament to His absolute reliability in bringing about the greater, redemptive promises concerning Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately, the Messiah. Christ, as the true and ultimate "seed" of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), fulfills the spiritual promises of fruitfulness and multiplication, extending God's blessings not merely to a physical nation, but to a spiritual multitude from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation who believe in Him (Revelation 7:9-10). In Christ, God's promise to make Abraham the "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4) finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment, as believers from all backgrounds are grafted into the spiritual family of God through faith in Him (Romans 11:17-24).