Genesis 16:11–12

Memory Verse

And the Angel of the LORD said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and you will bear a son, and you will call his name Ishmael because the LORD heard your affliction. And he will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand against all and every hand against him. And in the presence of all his brethren, he will dwell (Genesis 16:11–12).

In response to Hagar despising Sarai because she became pregnant while Sarai remained barren, Sarai dealt harshly with her (Genesis 16:6). As a result, Hagar fled, but the Angel of the LORD appeared to her during her flight. The Angel instructed her to return to her mistress and submit to her hand, assuring her that he would exceedingly multiply her descendants (Genesis 16:9–10).

After instructing Hagar to return and declaring that her descendants would be numerous, the Angel of the LORD continued by informing her of her son’s character. He explained that the child would be like a wild donkey whose hand is against everyone, yet he would also dwell in the presence of his brethren.

Furthermore, Hagar was instructed to name her son Ishmael, meaning “he will hear,” because the LORD heard her in her affliction. Ishmael later had twelve sons who became princes among the nations (Genesis 25:16), dwelling from Havilah unto Shur, before Egypt, spanning what is now the northern and central Arabian peninsula, where they remain until this day (Genesis 25:28).