Genesis 17:18 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Abraham said, O that Ishmael might live before thee! This he speaks, not as desiring that Ishmael might be preferred before the son he should have by Sarah, but as dreading lest he should be forsaken of God. The great thing we should desire of God for our children is, that they may live before him; that is, that they may be kept in covenant with him, and may have grace to walk before him in uprightness. God's answer to this prayer is an answer of peace. Abraham could not say he sought God's face in vain; nor shall we, if we seek it sincerely.