Ishmael, Son of Abraham In the Old Testament, a son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid (Gen. 16:11–16). The Lord promised both Abraham and Hagar that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation (Gen. 21:8–21). · The covenant came through Isaac rather than Ishmael, Gen. 17:19–21 (Gal. 4:22–5:1). · God blessed Ishmael that he would be fruitful, Gen. 17:20. · Ishmael helped bury Abraham, Gen. 25:8–9. · Ishmael’s twelve sons were named, Gen. 25:12–16. · Ishmael died, Gen. 25:17–18. · Esau took Ishmael’s daughter, Mahalath, to be his wife, Gen. 28:9. Abraham: Father of the Faithful In the Old Testament, Abraham is regarded as the head of the covenant line, which is personified in the house of Israel. He is often called the “father of the faithful.” Abraham received the gospel through baptism, or the covenant of salvation. The higher priesthood was conferred upon him, and he entered into celestial marriage, th