The Ishmeelites, also known as Ishmaelites, are a group of people in the Bible descended from Ishmael, the first son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The narrative of Ishmael's birth and his descendants is primarily found in the Book of Genesis.

Genealogy and Origin:

Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar as a result of Sarah's initial barrenness and her suggestion that Abraham have a child with her maidservant. This event is recorded in Genesis 16:1-4. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Ishmeelites. Genesis 25:12-16 provides a list of Ishmael's twelve sons, who became tribal leaders: "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."

Territory and Lifestyle:

The Ishmeelites were nomadic, dwelling in the region stretching from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as they traveled toward Assyria (Genesis 25:18). This area is generally understood to be part of the Arabian Peninsula. The Ishmeelites were known for their trade and commerce, particularly in spices, balm, and myrrh, as evidenced by their caravan that Joseph's brothers encountered in Genesis 37:25: "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."

Role in Biblical Narrative:

The Ishmeelites play a significant role in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 37:27-28, Joseph's brothers sell him to a group of Ishmeelites for twenty shekels of silver, and they, in turn, take him to Egypt: "Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt."

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Ishmeelites are often associated with the Midianites in the biblical text, as seen in the account of Joseph. This association suggests a close relationship or overlap between these groups, possibly indicating a confederation of tribes or a shared cultural and economic network. The Ishmeelites, like other nomadic tribes of the time, were integral to the trade routes that connected various parts of the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Ishmeelites represent the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar regarding Ishmael. In Genesis 16:10, the Angel of the LORD tells Hagar, "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count." This promise is reiterated in Genesis 17:20, where God assures Abraham that Ishmael will be blessed and become a great nation.

The Ishmeelites, as descendants of Abraham through Ishmael, are part of the broader Abrahamic narrative, which includes God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His plan for the nations. Their interactions with the Israelites, particularly in the account of Joseph, highlight the complex relationships between the descendants of Abraham and the surrounding peoples.(Genesis 37:28; 39:1, A.V.) should be "Ishmaelites," as in the Revised Version. ISHMEELITES

ish'-me-el-its (yishme`e'li).

See ISHMAELITES.

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold,
a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing ...
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The Story of Joseph
... There was a long train of camels laden with spices, evidently on their way down
to Egypt. [Illustration: "They sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites.". Gen. ...
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Ishmeelites
... Ishmaelites," as in the Revised Version. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ISHMEELITES. ish'-me-el-its (yishme`e'li). See ISHMAELITES. ...
/i/ishmeelites.htm - 6k

Ishmerai (1 Occurrence)

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Ishmeelite (2 Occurrences)

/i/ishmeelite.htm - 6k

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