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Genesis 22:15-18
And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, …

Genesis 31:11-13
And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream,saying, Jacob: And I said, Heream I…

Genesis 32:24-30
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

I will.

Genesis 17:20
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Genesis 21:13,16
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because heis thy seed…

Genesis 25:12-18
Now theseare the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham: …

I will greatly multiply your offspring
This promise of multiplication echoes the covenantal language used with Abraham inGenesis 12:2 and 15:5, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants numerous. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even to Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant. The multiplication of offspring is a common biblical motif, symbolizing blessing, prosperity, and the continuation of a lineage that plays a significant role in God's redemptive plan.

so that they will be too numerous to count
This phrase underscores the vastness of the promise, reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). It indicates not only a physical multitude but also a significant impact on history and the unfolding of God's purposes. The innumerable offspring foreshadow the future nation of Israel and the many nations that would come from Abraham's lineage, including the Ishmaelites, who are directly descended from Hagar's son, Ishmael. This promise also reflects God's sovereignty and ability to bring about His plans despite human circumstances.

• Scripture places Hagar in flight and despair (Genesis 16:6–8). Into that wilderness the “angel of the LORD” speaks, demonstrating that God sees and pursues the hurting (Psalm 34:18).

• The phrase “Then the angel added” signals a continuation of divine dialogue, not mere human counsel. Similar moments appear when the angel of the LORD guides Abraham (Genesis 22:11–18) or meets Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6), underscoring that this messenger reliably conveys God’s own word.

• Because God’s messengers speak with His authority (Judges 13:18–20), Hagar can trust every promise about her future.

• This pledge echoes God’s earlier covenant words to Abram: “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth” (Genesis 13:16) and “Look toward the heavens and count the stars… so shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). Although Hagar is not the covenant bearer, God still pours out abundant mercy.

• The verb “multiply” reminds us that fruitfulness is God’s blessing from creation onward (Genesis 1:28). It is never mere biology; it is divine intention.

• The focus on “your offspring” dignifies Hagar personally. While society viewed her as a servant, God addresses her as a mother of nations (Genesis 17:20).

• Other women hear similar assurances: Rebekah (Genesis 24:60) and Leah (Genesis 29:31–35). God consistently champions the marginalized and fulfills His purposes through them.

• The promise of innumerable descendants surfaces repeatedly: as sand on the seashore (Genesis 22:17), as the stars (Genesis 26:4), as the dust (Genesis 28:14). The imagery communicates both sheer quantity and divine impossibility—only God can keep track (Psalm 147:4).

• History bears out this multiplication; Ishmael’s twelve sons become tribal princes (Genesis 25:12–18), and Ishmaelites appear throughout Scripture (Judges 8:24;1 Chronicles 27:30).

• The vastness foretold here also foreshadows God’s later inclusion of Gentile multitudes in salvation (Isaiah 60:3–5;Galatians 3:8). ThoughGenesis 16 centers on physical lineage, the pattern hints at God’s grand design to bless “all nations” through Abraham’s line (Genesis 12:3).

• The phrase “too numerous to count” assures Hagar that her story, presently lonely, will expand far beyond her sight—God is writing a future she cannot yet imagine (Jeremiah 29:11).

Genesis 16:10 shows God meeting an outcast woman with the same creative, covenant-making power He shows patriarchs. The angel of the LORD speaks with divine authority, pledging to “greatly multiply” Hagar’s lineage until it is uncountable. The verse affirms God’s faithfulness, His concern for the marginalized, and His unstoppable plan to raise up nations according to His promise.