As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
20. And as for Ishmael. He here more clearly discriminates between the two sons of Abraham. For in promising to the one wealth, dignity, and other things pertaining to the present life, he proves him to be a son according to the flesh.
Here is, I. The promise made to Abraham of a son by Sarai, that son in whom the promise made to him should be fulfilled, that he should be the father of many nations; for she also shall be a mother of nations, and kings of people shall be of her, Gen 17:16. Note, 1. God reveals the purposes of his good-will to his people by degrees.
Commenting on Genesis 17:15-22
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee, &c. Took notice of his prayer for him, and accepted of and would answer him, and did, as follows: behold, I have blessed him; determined in his mind to bless him, promised to bless him, Gen 16:10; had blessings laid up and in reserve for him: and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; as...