Genesis 17:18

And Abraham said vnto God, O that Ishmael might liue before thee.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

And Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before You!"
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!
- American Standard Version (1901)

And Abraham said to God, If only Ishmael's life might be your care!
- Basic English Bible

And Abraham said to God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!
- Darby Bible

And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
- Webster's Bible

Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"
- World English Bible

And Abraham saith unto God, `O that Ishmael may live before Thee;'
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Abraham said unto God: 'Oh that Ishmael might live before Thee!'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 17:18

17:18 And Abraham said, O that Ishmael might live before thee! - This he speaks nor 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, he puts up this petition on his behalf. 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 their uprightness. God's answer to this prayer, is an answer of peace. Abraham could not say he sought God's face in vain.