20. God continued to be with the boy while he grew up. Ishmael lived in the desert and became a hunter. He learned to shoot a bow very well.
21. His mother found a wife for him in Egypt. They continued to live in the Paran desert.
22. Then Abimelech and Phicol spoke with Abraham. Phicol was the commander of Abimelech’s army. They said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.
23. So make a promise to me here before God. Promise that you will be fair with me and with my children. Promise that you will be kind to me and this country where you have lived. Promise that you will be as kind to me as I have been to you.”
24. And Abraham said, “I promise to treat you the same way you have treated me.”
25. Then Abraham complained to Abimelech because Abimelech’s servants had captured a well of water.