Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba
Ishmael's real blessing
God did not forget Ishmael. He heard his cry, promised him a great nation and twelve princes, and in Christ invites his children into Abraham's covenant family.
Blessed, and invited
Ishmael's name means God hears, and Genesis shows God hearing him in the desert. The blessing on Ishmael is real. But the promise that all the families of the earth will be blessed runs through Abraham's seed to Christ, and every descendant of Ishmael who trusts Christ becomes a child of Abraham and an heir of that promise.
11Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.
Genesis 16:11 (WEB) · context
17God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 21:17-18 (WEB) · context
3I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:3 (WEB) · context
7Know therefore that those who are of faith are children of Abraham. 8The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.” 9So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:7-9 (WEB) · context
28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.
Galatians 3:28-29 (WEB) · context
6A multitude of camels will cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah. All from Sheba will come. They will bring gold and frankincense, and will proclaim the praises of Yahweh. 7All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth will serve you. They will be accepted as offerings on my altar; and I will beautify my glorious house.
Isaiah 60:6-7 (WEB) · context
Sources
- Earliest source Genesis 12, 16, 17, 21; Galatians 3; Isaiah 60 (WEB).