Genesis 17:20

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Bible Text

As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

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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 modern Israel and the Palestinian territories. In this context, it forms the covenant setting in which Isaac, not Ishmael, would inherit the promised land, though Ishmael would also become a great nation.

Places in this passage

Genesis 17:20 mentions Canaan.