Dumah: Son of Ishmael
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Dumah is a biblical figure mentioned as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. His name appears in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. Dumah's lineage is significant as it represents one of the tribes that descended from Ishmael, who is considered the progenitor of the Arab peoples.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 25:13-15 : "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."

In this passage, Dumah is listed as the sixth son of Ishmael. The genealogical account underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Each of Ishmael's sons is considered the founder of a tribe, contributing to the spread and establishment of Ishmaelite tribes across the Arabian Peninsula.

2. 1 Chronicles 1:29-31 : "These are their genealogies: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael."

The Chronicler reiterates the genealogy of Ishmael's sons, including Dumah, emphasizing the historical and tribal significance of Ishmael's descendants. This repetition in the biblical text highlights the importance of these tribes in the context of Israel's neighboring peoples.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The name "Dumah" is also associated with a region or settlement, possibly located in the Arabian Desert. Some scholars suggest that Dumah may be linked to the oasis of Dumat al-Jandal, situated in modern-day Saudi Arabia. This location was historically significant as a caravan stop and a center of trade, indicating the potential influence and reach of Dumah's descendants.

Prophetic References:

In the Book of Isaiah, Dumah is mentioned in a prophetic context:

· Isaiah 21:11 : "This is an oracle concerning Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, 'Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?'"

This passage, part of a series of oracles against various nations, suggests a symbolic or allegorical use of the name Dumah. The oracle's cryptic nature has led to various interpretations, with some seeing it as a message of impending judgment or a call for vigilance.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Dumah, as a son of Ishmael, represents the broader narrative of God's covenantal promises extending beyond the line of Isaac. The Ishmaelites, including the tribe of Dumah, are part of the biblical narrative that illustrates the complex relationships between the descendants of Abraham. Dumah's mention in the genealogies serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and nations that emerged from the Abrahamic lineage, each playing a role in the unfolding of biblical history.

Theologically, Dumah's inclusion in the biblical record underscores the theme of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham regarding Ishmael. The tribes descending from Ishmael, including Dumah, are integral to understanding the historical and spiritual landscape of the ancient Near East as depicted in the Scriptures.
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Genesis 25:14
And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
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1 Chronicles 1:30
Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
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Isaiah 21:11,12
The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
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Strong's Hebrew
1746. Dumah -- a son of Ishmael, also a city in Judah and a name ...
... Word Origin from the same as dumah Definition a son of Ishmael, also a city
in Judah and a name of Edom NASB Word Usage Dumah (3). Dumah. ...
/hebrew/1746.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxv
... This is the history of Ishmael, the son of Abraham ... their generations: the first-born
of Ishmael Nebaioth; and ... Abdeel and Mibsam, and Mishma and Dumah and Massa ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... Dumah is the Angel of the realm of the dead (Ber ... sacrifice not only an animal but
his own son; and this ... connected with a dispute between Isaac and Ishmael as to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Resources
Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

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