Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ishmael is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the first son of Abraham. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Ishmael's life and legacy have had a profound impact on biblical history and theology, particularly in relation to God's covenant with Abraham and the subsequent lineage of nations. Birth and Early Life: Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Sarah, who was barren at the time, gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife in hopes of obtaining children through her. This decision was made in accordance with the customs of the time. Genesis 16:11-12 records the angel of the Lord's prophecy about Ishmael: "You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your affliction. He will be a wild donkey of a man, his hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." Covenant and Circumcision: Although Ishmael was Abraham's firstborn, God's covenant was established with Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. However, Ishmael was still blessed by God. In Genesis 17:20 , God promises Abraham, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will multiply him greatly. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation." Expulsion from Abraham's Household: Tensions arose in Abraham's household after the birth of Isaac. Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac and urged Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Reluctantly, Abraham complied after God reassured him that Ishmael would also become a great nation. Genesis 21:14-18 describes their departure and God's provision for them in the wilderness: "So Abraham got up early the next morning, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar's shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said, 'I cannot bear to watch the boy die.' And as she sat nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept. Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.'" Legacy and Descendants: Ishmael's descendants are traditionally considered to be the Ishmaelites, a nomadic people who played a role in the history of the Near East. Genesis 25:12-16 lists the names of Ishmael's twelve sons, who became tribal leaders: "These are the records of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes." Significance in Biblical Narrative: Ishmael's account highlights themes of God's faithfulness and the complexity of human relationships. Despite the circumstances of his birth and the challenges he faced, Ishmael was not forgotten by God. His life serves as a testament to God's promise to bless Abraham's offspring and to the unfolding of God's plan for humanity through both Isaac and Ishmael. Concordance Ish'mael's (1 Occurrence)Genesis 36:3 Thesaurus Ish'mael's (1 Occurrence)Ish'mael's. Ishmael's, Ish'mael's. Ishmaiah . Multi-Version Concordance Ish'mael's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 36:3 and Basemath Ishmael's ... /i/ish'mael's.htm - 6k Ishmaiah (2 Occurrences) Ishmael's (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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