Genesis 16:9-13
Summary for Gen 16:10-12: 16:10-12 a Hagar’s son would become the father of a great but wild and hostile nation living in the Arabian Desert as perennial enemies of Israel (cp. 25:18 b). God blessed Ishmael as Abram’s descendant, but not as the line chosen to carry on the covenant. That blessing was reserved for Abram’s chosen heir.16:11 c Names in Genesis often capture the message of a passage and aid the remembrance of the events and their significance in the history of the faith. The name Ishmael, which means “God hears,” commemorates that the Lord ... heard Hagar’s cry of distress (see also study note on 16:14-15). This name would have greatly comforted Hagar; God listened to her prayers and acknowledged her complaint.
16:13 d Hagar responded to God’s messages by faith, in her words and in her obedience.
• the God who sees me: God knew Hagar’s plight and watched over her.
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