What Happened to Ishmael in the Bible, and Why Does It Matter?

Ishmael was not the covenant heir, yet Jehovah heard him, preserved him, blessed him, and made him the father of twelve princes.

Birth of Isaac and Departure of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:1–21)

Ishmael’s mocking of Isaac was persecution against the covenant heir, leading to his expulsion and the preservation of God’s redemptive plan.