Study together · The Cast

Ishmael

Abraham's firstborn, sent into the desert as a boy, whose name means God hears and who found that God did.

The story

1. Named before birth Gen 16:11

   God hears his mother's affliction.

2. A blessing promised Gen 17:18-20

   Abraham pleads for him, and God promises a great nation.

3. Sent away Gen 21:9-14

   With bread and a skin of water.

4. Under the bush Gen 21:15-19

   God hears the boy and shows a well.

5. God was with the boy Gen 21:20-21

   He grows up an archer in Paran.

6. At his father's grave Gen 25:9

   He and Isaac bury Abraham together.

Key verses

“And God heard the voice of the boy” Genesis 21:17 (ESV)

Read together: Gen 16:11 · Gen 17:18-20 · Gen 21:9-14 · Gen 21:15-19 · Gen 21:20-21 · Gen 25:9

Questions to sit with

1. Ishmael means God hears. Where do you need to know that God has heard you?
2. God cared for the one sent away. Who around you feels sent away?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.