Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered for Ishmael

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The account of Ishmael's answered prayer is a significant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, illustrating God's attentiveness and mercy. Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, is a central figure in this account, which highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His care for all people.

Biblical Context

Ishmael's account begins in Genesis 16, where Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant to Sarai (later Sarah), becomes pregnant by Abram (later Abraham) at Sarai's behest. This arrangement was due to Sarai's barrenness and her desire to build a family through Hagar. However, tension arises between Sarai and Hagar, leading to Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. It is here that the Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, promising that her descendants through Ishmael will be too numerous to count (Genesis 16:10).

The Wilderness of Beersheba

The narrative of Ishmael's answered prayer is further developed in Genesis 21. After Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is born, tensions resurface, leading to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. They wander in the wilderness of Beersheba, where their water supply is exhausted. In desperation, Hagar places Ishmael under a shrub and distances herself, unable to witness her son's suffering. It is in this moment of despair that God intervenes.

Divine Intervention

Genesis 21:17-19 recounts the divine response: "And God heard the voice of the boy. Then the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.' Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink."

This passage highlights several key elements of answered prayer. Firstly, it is noted that God "heard the voice of the boy," indicating that Ishmael's cries were acknowledged by God. The angel's reassurance to Hagar not to fear underscores God's presence and concern for their plight. The promise to make Ishmael into a "great nation" reaffirms the covenantal blessing initially given to Abraham regarding his offspring.

Significance of the Answered Prayer

The answered prayer for Ishmael is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, as Ishmael's future as a great nation is assured despite the immediate circumstances. It also reflects God's compassion and provision, as He provides water in the wilderness, ensuring the survival of Hagar and Ishmael.

Furthermore, this narrative emphasizes the inclusivity of God's care. Although Ishmael is not the child of promise through whom the Abrahamic covenant would be fulfilled (that role belongs to Isaac), God still extends His mercy and blessing to him. This underscores the biblical theme that God's love and provision are not limited to a select few but are available to all who call upon Him.

Legacy of Ishmael

Ishmael's legacy is seen in the fulfillment of God's promise, as he becomes the father of twelve princes and a great nation (Genesis 25:12-18). His account serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the power of prayer, even in the most dire circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 17:20
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Petulant Wish
... gets his wishes answered he has no right to suppose that his prayers are answered.
But it is not so. Prayer is not after the type of 'O that Ishmael might live ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a petulant wish.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... Say "Ishmael," if you mean "Ishmael"; put it in plain words before the ... water that
was in the trenches, for Jehovah God had answered his servant's prayer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... the promised heir, at another time he cried, "O that Ishmael might live ... knees in
prayer, it becomes us to bless God that prayer has been answered so many ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... Now God's gracious designs are answered, he removed the rod ... let me remind you that
intercessory prayer has been ... How earnestly did he plead for his son Ishmael! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Questions.
... 5. Who were the sons of Ishmael? 6. What measure was taken to keep Isaac from becoming
mixed with idolators? ... 20. How was Daniel's prayer answered? 21. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... Our Lord heard his prayer, and she had twain sons at ... Isaac answered: I have ordained
him to be thy lord ... the daughters of Canaan, he went to Ishmael, and took ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

Christian Behavior
... I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in ... 7. Follow all this with prayer
to God for them ... As, (1.) Ishmael, for but mocking at one good carriage of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Jehoshaphat
... we may inquire of the Lord," Ahab answered; "but I ... Lord; and Zebadiah the son of
Ishmael, the ruler ... Jehoshaphat poured out his soul in prayer, pleading God's ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Abraham
... who are descended from Abraham through Ishmael, and so ... knew what true prayer
means"the prayer of the ... in all men's hearts"something which ANSWERED to God's ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Sin Slain
... with him, he is not content with prayer; he begins ... I never answered them, for I dare
say they would not ... a little to get the upper hand"Ishmael prevails, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/sin slain.htm