Overview
After being sent away by Abraham, Ishmael lived in the wilderness where God promised to make him a great nation. Years later, when Abraham died, both Ishmael and Isaac came together to bury their father, showing reconciliation and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding both sons.
Key Scriptures
"Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah" (Genesis 25:8-9, KJV).
"And God was with the lad [Ishmael]; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer" (Genesis 21:20, KJV).
"And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years" (Genesis 25:7, KJV).
Application
Ishmael's return reminds believers that God's promises extend to all His children and that reconciliation and family unity honor our covenant God.