Topical Encyclopedia The term "Ish'maelite" refers to the descendants of Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Ishmael's birth is recorded in Genesis 16, where Hagar, fleeing from Sarah's harsh treatment, encounters the Angel of the LORD, who instructs her to return and submit to her mistress. The Angel also prophesies about her unborn son, saying, "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" (Genesis 16:12).Genealogy and Tribal Identity Ishmael is recognized as the progenitor of the Ishmaelites, a group of nomadic tribes that inhabited the region stretching from the northeastern Sinai Peninsula to the Arabian Desert. Genesis 25:13-16 lists the twelve sons of Ishmael, who became the leaders of twelve tribes: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps" . Historical and Cultural Context The Ishmaelites are often associated with the Midianites in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of Joseph being sold into slavery. Genesis 37:25-28 describes how Joseph's brothers sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelites: "As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt" . This passage highlights the Ishmaelites' role as traders and their involvement in the regional commerce of the ancient Near East. Religious and Theological Significance In the broader biblical narrative, the Ishmaelites represent a line distinct from the covenantal promises given to Isaac, Abraham's son with Sarah. While Ishmael was blessed by God and promised to become a great nation (Genesis 17:20), the covenantal promises were specifically passed through Isaac (Genesis 17:21). This distinction is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, uses the account of Ishmael and Isaac allegorically to contrast the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace (Galatians 4:22-31). Interactions with Israel Throughout the Old Testament, the Ishmaelites are occasionally mentioned in the context of Israel's history. They are often depicted as adversaries or as part of the broader coalition of peoples opposing Israel. For instance, in Psalm 83:6, the Ishmaelites are listed among the nations conspiring against Israel: "the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites" . This reflects the ongoing tension and conflict between the descendants of Ishmael and the Israelites, descendants of Isaac. Legacy and Influence The legacy of the Ishmaelites extends beyond the biblical narrative, as they are traditionally considered ancestors of various Arab tribes. This connection has influenced both historical and contemporary discussions regarding the relationships between Jews and Arabs, as well as the broader Abrahamic faith traditions. The Ishmaelites' role in biblical history serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of family, faith, and identity in the unfolding account of God's people. Concordance Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences)2 Samuel 17:25 1 Chronicles 2:17 1 Chronicles 27:30 Thesaurus Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences)Ish'maelite. Ishmaelite, Ish'maelite. Ishmaelites . Multi-Version Concordance Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom ... /i/ish'maelite.htm - 7k Ishmaelites (6 Occurrences) Ishmaelite (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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