Genesis 17:18

WEB · Bible Passage

Bible Text

Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"

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Maps for this passage

The Ancient Near East (Fertile Crescent)The ancient Near East and Fertile Crescent, from Mesopotamia to Egypt, the world of the patriarchs.

The Journeys of Abraham and the PatriarchsThe journeys of Abraham and the patriarchs from Ur through Canaan and into Egypt.

Historical maps are public-domain atlas plates, digitized by Wikimedia Commons.

Canaan was the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, roughly corresponding to the southern Levant along the eastern Mediterranean. In this covenant context, it matters because God’s promise of land would continue through Isaac, not Ishmael, despite Abraham’s plea for Ishmael.

Places in this passage

Genesis 17:18 mentions Canaan.