The sons of Abraham
Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known as the father of many nations. His story begins in Genesis, where God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. Abraham's faith and obedience are pivotal, and he is considered a patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The mention of his sons here highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). This phrase sets the stage for the genealogies that follow, emphasizing the importance of lineage and God's covenant with Abraham.

were Isaac
Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah, born when they were advanced in age, fulfilling God's promise to give them a child (Genesis 21:1-3). Isaac is a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant, as God's promises to Abraham are passed down through him. He is often seen as a type of Christ, particularly in the account of the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22), where he is a willing participant in a sacrifice, prefiguring Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Isaac's life and lineage are crucial in the continuation of God's covenant, leading to the nation of Israel.

and Ishmael.
Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant (Genesis 16:1-4). His birth precedes Isaac's and represents a human attempt to fulfill God's promise through natural means rather than divine intervention. Ishmael is traditionally considered the ancestor of many Arab nations. While not the child of promise, God still blesses Ishmael, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20). The relationship between Isaac and Ishmael is complex, reflecting themes of promise, faith, and God's sovereignty in choosing Isaac as the line through which the covenant would continue.

1. Abraham
Known as the father of faith, Abraham is a central figure in the Bible. God made a covenant with him, promising that he would be the father of many nations. His faith and obedience are highlighted throughout Scripture.

2. Isaac
The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would continue. His birth was a miraculous event, as Sarah was beyond childbearing age.

3. Ishmael
The son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. Ishmael is considered the father of many Arab nations. His life represents the complexities of human decisions and God's overarching plan.Faith and Promise
Abraham's life teaches us about the importance of faith in God's promises. Despite human limitations and circumstances, God's word remains true and reliable.

God's Sovereignty
The births of Isaac and Ishmael remind us of God's sovereignty in His plans and purposes. Even when human actions complicate situations, God's will prevails.

Human Decisions and Divine Plans
The account of Ishmael and Isaac shows the impact of human decisions on God's divine plans. It encourages us to seek God's guidance and trust His timing.

Identity in God's Family
Understanding our identity as children of the promise, like Isaac, helps us live in the freedom and purpose God has for us, as highlighted in the New Testament.

Unity and Reconciliation
The relationship between Isaac and Ishmael's descendants calls us to seek unity and reconciliation, reflecting God's heart for peace among all people.Verses 28-37. - E. LIST OF THE SONS, GRANDSONS, AND OTHER DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM. In the first of these verses the new form of the name of Abraham is at once used in place of the old form. And the names of two of his sons are given, Isaac the son by Sarah, and Ishmael the son by Hagar, his Egyptian bondwoman. That these stand in the inverse order of their birth and age requires no explanation. The distinct and separate mention of these two sons, apart from all the others, is of course in harmony with Genesis 21:12, 13, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed." Although stated in the first place in the order of importance, and Isaac takes precedence of Ishmael, the name of this latter and of his posterity are treated of first. To note each clear instance of this kind will guard us against inferring, in cases not clear, anything positive, one way or the other, respecting seniority merely from order. The order either of age or of historic importance may be given in the first instance, to be immediately reversed in favour of the order which shall enable the writer to clear out of his way the less important.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The sons
בְּנֵי֙ (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Abraham
אַבְרָהָ֔ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

[were] Isaac
יִצְחָ֖ק (yiṣ·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

and Ishmael.
וְיִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃ (wə·yiš·mā·‘êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 1:28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)