Genesis 25:12-18
"Ishmael's Family Records"
Here we have a seemingly random account of Ishmael's family. The only thing is, it's not random. In fact, it serves to show God's faithfulness and trustworthiness.
The first showing of God's faithfulness is the size of Ishmael's descendants - he had 12 sons who then went on to father and found 12 villages with each descended from one of the sons. This was in accordance with God's word to Abraham (Genesis 21:13). God made Ishmael into a nation as He promised.
The second showing is the manner by which Ishmael lived. This passage, in v. 18 says that Ishmael lived "in opposition" with his brothers. Funny that, God mentioned to Hagar that this would be the case (Genesis 16:12).
God kept His word, even when it concerned a side-son who would never be the heir to His plans and whose descendants would antagonize those of Isaac. God kept His word because He is perfect, He is righteous, and He is holy. There's more to the reason than that, but suffice it to say that God id God.
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