Genesis 16:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then the angel proclaims the future way of life for the son to be born to Hagar, stating that he will be like a wild ass among men: his hand shall be against everyone, and everyone's hand shall be against him; he will dwell in the presence of his brothers. This prediction reveals that he will be a man of strength, a warrior, and will toil greatly in the soil. Therefore, in all that has transpired concerning the servant, can you not see the glory of the patriarch Abraham? Such concern for the servant reflects the Lord's favor toward this faithful man. After delivering this message and the good news to Hagar, the angel subsequently departed.

This individual will be a wild donkey among mankind, as he will reside in the desolate places. Like a wild donkey, he will not find tranquility with others; his influence touches everyone, meaning he will exert his power over all, while all will also seek to exert power over him. He will confront every nation, which will in turn lead to his opposition by all the nations. He will live on the fringes of all his kin, that is, the descendants of Sarai and the Hittites, for the descendants of Shem have already been distanced from their promised land.

The Hebrew term used is phara (פֶּ֣רֶא), which is interpreted as ‘wild ass’ rather than ‘rude man.’ This indicates that the descendants of Ishmael will inhabit desolate regions without a permanent home. In essence, they are nomadic Saracens engaging in raids against all neighboring nations around the wilderness, resulting in constant conflict among themselves.

Wild elk, known as ημιονοι, is an animal that, as described by Pallas, possesses a greater beauty and agility than a donkey yet remains untamed and distant from humans. Ishmael mirrors this quality, living in isolation from society and eluding connection with others. His influence is pervasive, yet he is also the target of widespread disdain. To place one's hand upon another traditionally implies violence or death, as seen in Genesis 37:27, Deuteronomy 13:9, and Deuteronomy 17:7. Therefore, Ishmael's destiny is marked by perpetual conflict with others, relying on strength as his means of survival and fortune. This prophetic outcome is unmistakable in the lineage of Ishmael and may also refer to Muhammad and beyond.

A reputable, wise, and cultured individual possesses many distinctions from one who lacks these qualities. This is why we refer to the latter, when contrasted with the city dweller and the informed individual, as a ‘fool’ and a ‘peasant,’ and when compared to those who are well-educated, as an ‘uninformed’ and a ‘learner.’ Therefore, since the fruits of virtue signify a rightful dwelling, anyone who does not lead a life in alignment with the principles of the heavenly kingdom of the living God is akin to a peasant and, in his state of being, remains in a rural setting rather than a city.