Genesis 21:12

21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be upset20 about the boy or your slave wife. Do21 all that Sarah is telling22 you because through Isaac your descendants will be counted.23

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20	tn Heb “Let it not be evil in your eyes.”
21	tn Heb “listen to her voice.” The idiomatic expression means “obey; comply.” Here her advice, though harsh, is necessary and conforms to the will of God. Later (see Gen 25), when Abraham has other sons, he sends them all away as well.
22	tn The imperfect verbal form here draws attention to an action that is underway.
23	tn Or perhaps “will be named”; Heb “for in Isaac offspring will be called to you.” The exact meaning of the statement is not clear, but it does indicate that God’s covenantal promises to Abraham will be realized through Isaac, not Ishmael.