Definition: And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 17:18: “And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!” Here's a simple explanation: This verse is about God’s promise to protect and nurture Abraham. It’s a foundational story in the Bible about how God started the entire plan for humanity. Context: Genesis 17 describes God creating the world and setting up a covenant (a special agreement) between Him and Abraham. What’s happening: Abraham was about to leave Ur, a city in Mesopotamia, and travel across the wilderness to find a place to settle. He was facing a difficult situation – he was alone and had no one to help him. God's plea: God said, “O that Ishmael might live before me!” He’s essentially saying, "I want you to protect Ishmael; you need to be with him." In essence, it means God is prioritizing and safeguarding Abraham’s future. It speaks to the idea of God's love and care for his chosen people. Why is this important? This verse is a key part of the story that leads to the creation of the first humans – humanity – in God’s image. It signifies a beginning, a promise of protection, and a foundation for everything that follows. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about this story?