Genesis 17:18

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

Cross-references

Genesis 16:15 Historical context

Genesis 16:15 records Ishmael's birth — the son Abraham now pleads for. That verse names and places the child whose fate concerns Abraham here.

Genesis 21:11 shows Abraham deeply distressed about sending Ishmael away — the same fierce fatherly attachment that fuels his plea for Ishmael here.