Beraishis 21 (17) Hashem judges Yishmoel “בַּאֲשֶׁר הוּא שָׁם " - “in that condition in which he now is”. The ministering angels according to the Medrash said, “Master of the Universe, for him whose descendants will at one time kill your children with thirst will You provide a well?”
What were the angels suggesting? If they wanted Yishmoel to die, then their foreknowledge of his “descendants will at one time kill your children with thirst” would not be knowledge since it would not happen. So were the angels only looking for a less generous way of providing water, say, by finding a water-bottle instead of a well?
Related: Why was Yishmael saved?
Why does there seem to be different standards for future sinners?
