What was the name of Ishmael's mother?

In the story of Genesis, we meet Hagar, a fascinating figure who often gets overshadowed by the more famous personalities in Abraham’s narrative. Hagar was an Egyptian slave woman, and her relationship with Abraham introduces significant themes in the Covenant stories. Commissioned by Sarah, Abraham’s wife, to bear a child when it seemed impossible for her to conceive, Hagar's journey is as much about her identity as it is about lineage.

Hagar's circumstances shed light on the often overlooked issues of social justice and marginalized voices in sacred texts. After bearing Ishmael, Hagar’s plight becomes one of desperation, especially when Sarah later bears Isaac. Cast aside into the wilderness, she becomes a symbol of resilience and divine attention. Interestingly, the text reveals that after being sent away, an angel of God encounters Hagar. Their exchange emphasizes that God notices and cares for the downtrodden, underscoring an essential tenet: even those deemed inferior in society have inherent worth and are often key participants in divine narratives.

Upon examining the name "Ishmael," one discovers that it means “God hears.” This serves as a poignant reminder of Hagar's own cries of despair in the wilderness (Genesis 21:17). Hagar, a mother whose struggles resonate across generations, owns a significant role in the fabric of these early narratives. She represents both anguish and strength, reinforcing the idea that everyone’s story matters to the larger tale of humanity.