Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
These are the generations of Ishmael, х tolªdowt (H8435)] - (see the note at Genesis 2:4; Genesis 5:1). Before passing to the line of the promised seed, the historian gives a brier notice of Ishmael, to show that the promises respecting that son of Abraham were fulfilled-first, in the greatness of his posterity (cf. Genesis 17:20); and, secondly, in their independence.