Reply To: Short & Sweet

Lech Lecha: Cry Out

When Hashem told Hagar that she would soon give birth to a son, Hashem told her what the boys name would be. It would be ישמעאל, a combination of the words ישמע קל, Hashem has heard. The reason for this name is כי שמע ה׳ אל עניך, Hashem has listened to the prayers of Hagar during the time of her affliction.

The Pirkei D’Rebbi Eliezer offers an additional explanation. The Medrash details some of the suffering that the nation of Yishmael will bring upon the Jews before the coming of Moshiach. But this affliction is what will cause the Jews to daven and cry out to Hashem with all their heart. Due to this persecution, ישמע קל, Hashem will hear our prayers.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום