Genesis 17:20 –
As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
This chapter God changes Abraham and Sarah’s names to show his promise to them … it’s a different meaning to show Gods promise … Abraham laughs at God, who at this time we should ALL KNOW has a great sense of humor!! Why he is pushing 100 and she is 90!! That would be nuts … but in Gods “humor” great things come. It shows us the only way it could happen was God!
Anyway back to Ishmael … as we said before, this one is crazy … but God will bless him anyway. For whatever God has in mind … his promise is kept. God shows the parallel between the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 princes … and the 12 disciples … hmmm the number 12 seems to be at work here.
I wonder if the problems in this world stem mostly from this relationship?? Researching this the Koran and the Bible are very much inter-related. Both have this as the start to their beliefs … so how did we stray away?? Did this happen from day 1 between Ishmaels and Isaacs offspring?? Or did it take time? Much of what I see is this battle started 1400 years ago when Muhammad wrote the Koran.
Deep stuff as you look into it … and see Allah and God are one in the same. It’s just how we interpret what He says that causes the drift … wars have been, are being and will be fought over these different interpretations. Jews/Christians/Muslims all see God … they just know Him differently.
Proverbs 31:28-29 – “
<28> Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: <29> “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!””
to my wife:-)