Genesis 17:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord, ever bountiful in His gifts and graciously answering our requests, has inspired the spirit of the righteous individual. He has rejuvenated this elder, as though he were a youth, through His promises. Even though he appeared to be near death, through His words, He has restored him to life. He abundantly showers him with blessings and declares: "And that which I promised you I will accomplish, and at the same time, I will grant your request regarding Ishmael. I have listened to your prayer; 'I will bless him and make him fruitful; he shall father twelve princes, and I will establish a mighty nation through him.'” Since he is your offspring, I will indeed 'make him fruitful and greatly multiply him,' resulting in twelve nations descending from him.

Had Abraham experienced skepticism, God would not have confirmed the truth of His promise with an oath, nor would He have responded to Abraham's plea for Ishmael, or proclaimed that a son would be born to Abraham within the following year. Instead, He would have rebuked and charged Abraham. The declaration regarding Ishmael, stating that he would father twenty princes, signifies that from Ishmael would arise twelve tribes, paralleling the twelve tribes that descended from Jacob.

The twelve leaders. The blessing event described by Moses is detailed below (Gen. 25:13-16). The twelve chieftains of Ishmael's tribes parallel the twelve patriarchs of Israel. This numerical equivalence indicates that the extent of physical blessings does not necessarily reflect the depth of spiritual gifts. The two offspring of Abraham can be likened to two exquisite blossoms: one is an empty flower, while the other is vibrant with the essence of life; when it fades, it produces fruit that nourishes both the root and the flowers. God, through the intercession of Abraham, does not forsake Ishmael but establishes a lasting covenant with Isaac. God does not dismiss the works of the law, which faith supports and advocates for; rather, He predestines for eternal communion with Himself the inner life of faith and love that is graciously sown within the soul.