What was the name of Ishmael's mother?

In the ancient world, names carried significant meanings, often revealing lineage and destinies. Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, was an Egyptian slave and pivotal figure in Abraham's story. When grammar classifies verbs as "action" or "state," Hagar’s role definitely falls in the action camp: she presses into a moment of desperation, becoming the vehicle through which God's promise to Abraham stretched rural borders into relationships and dynamics well beyond what was customary.

Ishmael's life is equally intriguing. His name, meaning "God Will Hear," synonymous with the human tendency to seek solace through Divine attentiveness in moments of despair—as Hagar did when she fled from Sarah’s harsh treatment. Genesis 21 later depicts Ishmael and Hagar’s eventual banishment, followed by solace from God in the wilderness. In a symbolic sense, he's considered to be the father of many nations, kind of like a divine call to embrace unity amidst diversity—we begin seeing the reflections of a broader connection within the global family.

Which leads nicely to an iconic echo—many associate Hagar's circumstances with the plight of those marginalized and hurt, a narrative of enduring strength against monumental odds. As this story unfolds in the holy texts, it reminds readers of the compassion constantly present even amid trials and tribulations. In exploring figures like Hagar, we observe our interconnected journeys in the scriptural arch.