and his son IshmaelIshmael is the firstborn son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. His birth is recorded in
Genesis 16, where Sarah, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abraham as a wife. Ishmael's name, meaning "God hears," reflects God's response to Hagar's distress in the wilderness. Ishmael is significant in biblical history as the ancestor of many Arab nations, and his story highlights themes of God's faithfulness and the complexities of human relationships. His role in the narrative sets the stage for the covenantal promises that will later be fulfilled through Isaac, Abraham's son with Sarah.
was thirteen;
The age of thirteen is significant in the Jewish tradition, as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, known as Bar Mitzvah in later Jewish practice. At this age, Ishmael is on the cusp of manhood, which is important in the context ofGenesis 17, where God establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham. Ishmael's circumcision at thirteen signifies his inclusion in the covenant, although he is not the child of promise through whom the covenant will be fulfilled. This age also underscores the timeline of events leading to the birth of Isaac, who will be born a year later, as God had promised. The mention of Ishmael's age serves to highlight the unfolding of God's plan and the distinction between Ishmael and Isaac in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IshmaelThe first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Ishmael is a significant figure as he represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, though not the child of the covenant promise.
2.
AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, to whom God made a covenant promising numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. Abraham's obedience in circumcising Ishmael and his household is a testament to his faith.
3.
CircumcisionA physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. It was instituted by God as a perpetual sign of the covenant, marking those who were part of God's chosen people.
4.
CovenantThe divine promise and agreement between God and Abraham, which included the promise of land, descendants, and blessings. Circumcision was the physical sign of this covenant.
5.
Thirteen Years OldIshmael's age at the time of his circumcision, which is significant as it marks his inclusion in the covenant community, even though he is not the child of promise.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandsAbraham's immediate obedience in circumcising Ishmael and his household demonstrates the importance of following God's commands, even when they are challenging or require personal sacrifice.
Inclusion in God's CovenantIshmael's circumcision at thirteen signifies that God's covenant extends beyond the immediate line of promise, showing God's broader plan for humanity.
Faith and WorksWhile circumcision was a physical act, it was a sign of the faith and commitment to God's covenant. This teaches us that our actions should reflect our faith and commitment to God.
Understanding God's PromisesThe account of Ishmael and Isaac reminds us to trust in God's timing and His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary to what we expect.
Identity in God's FamilyIshmael's circumcision signifies his inclusion in the covenant community, reminding us of our identity and belonging in God's family through faith in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 17:25?
2.How does Genesis 17:25 demonstrate obedience to God's covenant requirements?
3.What significance does circumcision hold in Genesis 17:25 for Abraham's descendants?
4.How does Genesis 17:25 connect to New Testament teachings on covenant?
5.In what ways can we show obedience to God in our daily lives?
6.How does Genesis 17:25 encourage us to uphold God's commands in our families?
7.Why was Ishmael circumcised at thirteen according to Genesis 17:25?
8.How does Genesis 17:25 relate to the covenant with Abraham?
9.What is the significance of circumcision in Genesis 17:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 17?
11.Who was Ishmael in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about Arabs?
13.Is there historical or archaeological evidence supporting the lineage claim of Ishmael (Genesis 16:10-11)?
14.Why does Galatians 4:22-23, referring to Abraham's two sons, contradict other accounts of their significance in Genesis?What Does Genesis 17:25 Mean
and– The little connecting word ties verse 25 to the immediate context: “On that very day Abraham took…every male… and he circumcised them, as God had told him” (Genesis 17:23–24).
– It signals that Ishmael’s circumcision is not an isolated fact but part of Abraham’s instant obedience to God’s covenant command (compareGenesis 17:9–11; see alsoExodus 12:50 for the same “and…did so” obedience pattern).
– The verse therefore stresses continuity: God speaks, Abraham acts, and the blessing rolls on (Genesis 22:18;James 2:23).
his son– Scripture repeatedly highlights the covenant’s reach to Abraham’s family: “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you” (Genesis 17:7; cf.Genesis 18:19).
– Abraham’s responsibility was not private but household-wide (Joshua 24:15). By circumcising Ishmael, he publicly acknowledged that every member under his care belonged to the LORD.
– The detail reminds parents today that faithfulness includes guiding our children into the visible marks of God’s covenant people (Deuteronomy 6:6–7;Ephesians 6:4).
Ishmael– Though not the child through whom the promised Seed would come (Genesis 17:19;Galatians 4:22–23), Ishmael is still graciously embraced within the outward covenant sign (Genesis 17:20).
– God’s promise to “make him a great nation” (Genesis 21:13) is affirmed when Ishmael submits to circumcision, showing God’s care for all who align themselves with His people (Acts 10:34–35).
– His inclusion foreshadows the later grafting-in of the Gentiles, who receive covenant blessings by faith and obedience rather than by physical descent alone (Romans 11:17).
was thirteen– Ishmael’s age underlines that this first generation experienced adult circumcision because the command had just been given; later, infants were to receive the sign on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3;Luke 2:21).
– Thirteen marks the threshold of responsible participation in covenant life; Ishmael consciously accepted the rite, illustrating willing submission (Proverbs 3:1).
– The verse also sets a time-marker that contrasts with Isaac’s future birth: Ishmael is thirteen before Isaac is conceived (Genesis 17:21), highlighting the miraculous nature of Isaac’s arrival and the distinct paths of the two sons (Galatians 4:28–29).
summaryGenesis 17:25 records that “his son Ishmael was thirteen years old when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised.” In a single sentence God spotlights (1) Abraham’s immediate obedience, (2) the covenant’s embrace of his household, (3) Ishmael’s valued place under God’s promises, and (4) the historical moment before infant circumcision became the norm. The verse assures us that every command of God, however new or demanding, is meant to be trusted and obeyed, bringing even those on the margins—like Ishmael—under the blessing and protection of the everlasting covenant.
(25)
Ishmael. . . . was thirteen years old.--Hence the Mohammedans defer circumcision to the thirteenth year.
Verse 25. -
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old (the same form of expression as above),
when he was circumcised. Hence among the Arabs the ceremony is usually delayed till the thirteenth year (cf. Josephus, 'Ant.,' 1:13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and his sonבְּנ֔וֹ(bə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonIshmaelוְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל(wə·yiš·mā·‘êl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458:Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israeliteswas thirteen;שְׁלֹ֥שׁ(šə·lōš)Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7969:Three, third, thrice
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 17:25 Ishmael his son was thirteen years old (Gen. Ge Gn) 
