Character Study Of Ishmael Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ISHMAEL – SON OF ABRAHAM AND HAGAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 16:10-12

"The angel of the Lord also said to her, 'I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.' And the angel of the Lord said to her, 'Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction.'" (Genesis 16:10-11)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 17:18-21, Genesis 21:8-21, Galatians 4:22-26

INTRODUCTION:

Ishmael was the first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah’s maid. His birth resulted from human impatience with God’s promise. Though not the son of promise, God still blessed Ishmael and made him a great nation. His story teaches us about the dangers of acting outside God’s will, the faithfulness of God in keeping His word, and His care for all people.

1. ISHMAEL’S BIRTH AND THE PROPHECY ABOUT HIM

Ishmael’s birth was the result of Sarah and Abraham’s impatience.

a) Born to Hagar, Sarah’s Maid – Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child (Genesis 16:1-2).

b) Named by God – The angel instructed Hagar to name him Ishmael, meaning "God hears" (Genesis 16:11).

c) A Wild but Strong Nation Foretold – He would be a strong and independent man (Genesis 16:12).

d) Not the Son of Promise – God made it clear that His covenant would be with Isaac (Genesis 17:18-21).

e) Biblical Example: Esau also lost the covenant blessing but was still prosperous (Genesis 27:38-40).

2. ISHMAEL’S EARLY YEARS AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH ISAAC

Conflict arose between Ishmael and Isaac, leading to his expulsion.

a) Circumcised with Abraham – He was circumcised at 13 years old (Genesis 17:25-26).

b) Mocked Isaac – He ridiculed Isaac, causing Sarah’s anger (Genesis 21:9).

c) Expelled from Abraham’s Household – Sarah demanded he and Hagar be sent away (Genesis 21:10-14).

d) A Difficult Journey – He and his mother wandered in the wilderness (Genesis 21:14-16).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers also caused conflict out of jealousy (Genesis 37:4-11).

3. GOD’S PROMISE AND PROVISION FOR ISHMAEL

Though he was not the son of promise, God did not abandon him.

a) God Heard Hagar’s Cry – The angel reassured her of Ishmael’s future (Genesis 21:17).

b) A Well of Water Appeared – God provided water in the wilderness (Genesis 21:19).

c) God Blessed Him with a Nation – He became a great leader (Genesis 21:18).

d) A Skilled Archer and Survivor – He thrived in the wilderness (Genesis 21:20).

e) Biblical Example: God also provided for Elijah in his time of distress (1 Kings 19:4-8).

4. ISHMAEL’S DESCENDANTS AND LEGACY

Ishmael became the father of twelve princes and a great nation.

a) Married an Egyptian Wife – His mother chose a wife for him from Egypt (Genesis 21:21).

b) Father of Twelve Princes – His descendants became rulers (Genesis 25:12-16).

c) Ancestor of Many Arab Nations – His lineage grew into powerful tribes.

d) Buried Near Abraham – Though separate from the covenant, he remained connected (Genesis 25:9).

e) Biblical Example: The Edomites, descendants of Esau, also became a great nation (Genesis 36:1-8).

5. ISHMAEL AND HIS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Ishmael represents the contrast between human effort and divine promise.

a) Symbol of the Flesh – Paul used him as an example of the works of the flesh (Galatians 4:22-23).

b) Contrasted with Isaac – Isaac represented God’s promise, while Ishmael symbolised human effort (Galatians 4:28-30).

c) Still Blessed by God – Though outside the covenant, God remained faithful (Genesis 17:20).

d) Shows God’s Mercy – God does not abandon those born outside His promise (Psalm 86:15).

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son was outside his father’s will but still received grace (Luke 15:11-24).

6. STRENGTHS OF ISHMAEL

Ishmael displayed several notable qualities.

a) A Survivor – He thrived in the wilderness despite hardship (Genesis 21:20).

b) A Skilled Warrior – He became a strong archer (Genesis 21:20).

c) A Leader of Nations – He fathered twelve princes (Genesis 25:16).

d) Still Connected to Abraham – He returned to bury his father (Genesis 25:9).

e) Biblical Example: David was also a skilled warrior and leader (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

7. WEAKNESSES OF ISHMAEL

His actions also brought challenges.

a) Mocked Isaac – His attitude caused division in the family (Genesis 21:9).

b) Lived in Rebellion – He was described as a wild man (Genesis 16:12).

c) Separated from the Covenant – Though blessed, he missed the spiritual promise (Genesis 17:21).

d) His Descendants Opposed Israel – His lineage often clashed with Isaac’s descendants (Psalm 83:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Esau also lost his birthright due to wrong choices (Hebrews 12:16-17).

8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM ISHMAEL

Ishmael’s life teaches us important spiritual truths.

a) God’s Mercy Extends to All – Even when outside His covenant, God still cares (Matthew 5:45).