People whose Birth was a Mistake (Genesis 17)

People whose Birth was a Mistake

The entire affair between Hagar and Abraham should not have happened. Abraham was married to Sarah, God had promised them a son and they should have simply believed without trying to help a hand in a questionable way. 

Ismael was born from Hagar and Abraham on the initial advice of Sarah.

From an outward perspective Ismael could have been seen as a mistake. He wasn’t supposed to be there, he would be inferior despite being the firstborn and circumcised. 

God Himself showed that His covenant was not for Ismael even if Abraham cared for him.


[Gen 17:18-19, 21 NKJV] 18 And Abraham said to God, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!" 19 Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his descendants after him. ... 21 "But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year."


Ismael was not validated and he seemed to have been just a mistake without having a part of the greater plan. And he did not have a part in the great plan as it plays out in Scripture. He isn’t notable in reference to the covenant.

But as despised as he could have been, God couldn’t help Himself but to care.

When Hagar was sent away by Sarah because of jealousy God already showed His care for Hagar by showing up. But He didn’t even leave Ismael uncared for.


[Gen 17:20 NKJV] 20 "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.


Abraham was heard and Ismael would be blessed. He too would be an exceedingly great nation. He would conceive twelve princes.

Ismael may have seemed like a mistake. And there are many whose lives seem nothing more than an accident or mistake. It may have even come from a great evil. They may not have a very visible or seemingly notable part in God’s plan in the eyes of the world.

And yet, it is in God’s character to care even for them. He didn’t despise Abraham’s prayer as something that was unimportant anyway. 

No, He heard it. He cared. He blessed even Ismael, the mistake. The prayer gave Him the opportunity to work out His will.

It’s in His nature to bless. Some may feel like they are a mistake. But God simply cares about life, no matter how much it seems like a mistake. 

If you live and exist, God is not without reach. He cares and loves to bless. And if we come to Him, then His precious promises and deep love will be available for us too. 

No one is excluded.

And this, this is the character of God.

God is love.

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