Topical Encyclopedia Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is a significant figure in biblical history due to her role as the mother of Ishmael, Abraham's first son. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is introduced as a solution to Sarah's barrenness. Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham as a concubine, and Hagar conceives Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-4).Ishmael Ishmael is the firstborn son of Abraham through Hagar. His birth is marked by divine intervention and prophecy. The Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar in the wilderness, promising that her offspring will be numerous: "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10). Ishmael is named by divine instruction, and his name means "God hears," reflecting God's response to Hagar's affliction. Twelve Princes Ishmael's descendants are detailed in Genesis 25:12-18. He becomes the father of twelve sons, who are described as princes and progenitors of twelve tribes. These sons are Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. The Bible states, "These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes according to their tribes" (Genesis 25:16). This fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar and Abraham establishes Ishmael as a patriarch of a great nation. Ishmaelites The descendants of Ishmael, known as the Ishmaelites, play a role in various biblical narratives. They are often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. In Genesis 37:25-28, the Ishmaelites are identified as traders to whom Joseph's brothers sell him, leading to his eventual rise in Egypt. This connection highlights the Ishmaelites' involvement in regional trade and their interactions with other biblical figures. Arabian Tribes The Ishmaelites are traditionally considered ancestors of several Arabian tribes. The prophecy concerning Ishmael in Genesis 16:12, "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," is often interpreted as a description of the independent and sometimes contentious nature of these tribes. The historical and cultural impact of Ishmael's descendants is significant, as they are seen as foundational to the Arab peoples. Kedar and Nebaioth Among Ishmael's sons, Kedar and Nebaioth are frequently mentioned in the Bible. Kedar is noted for its flocks and tents, symbolizing wealth and nomadic lifestyle (Isaiah 60:7). Nebaioth is mentioned alongside Kedar in prophetic literature, often representing the broader Ishmaelite influence and presence in the region (Isaiah 60:7). Legacy Hagar's legacy through Ishmael is profound, as her descendants are woven into the fabric of biblical history and prophecy. The narrative of Hagar and Ishmael underscores themes of divine promise, survival, and the complexity of familial relationships. Through Ishmael, Hagar becomes the matriarch of a vast and influential lineage, fulfilling God's promise of a multitude of descendants. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:12-15Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bore to Abraham: Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 5:10,19-22 Psalm 83:6 Library The Story of Hagar and Ishmael The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals. Chapter xxv What Cain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History ... Chapter xxi Chapter xvi Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not ... The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians The Patriarchs. Jesus and Abraham. Resources Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)? | GotQuestions.orgHow many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible contain allegory? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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