What is the meaning of Genesis 25:13? Nebaioth—the firstborn “ ‘These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael…’ ” (Genesis 25:13) • Being named first confirms Nebaioth’s right of the firstborn, fulfilling God’s promise that Ishmael would become “a great nation” (Genesis 17:20; 21:13). • Nebaioth later appears when Esau marries his sister Mahalath (Genesis 28:9), linking Ishmael’s line to Edom. • Isaiah foresees Nebaioth’s flocks coming to honor the Lord (Isaiah 60:7), hinting that even desert tribes will one day worship Israel’s God. • 1 Chronicles 1:29 repeats his name, underscoring the historical accuracy of the genealogy. Kedar “…then Kedar…” (Genesis 25:13) • Kedar becomes a powerful Arabian tribe; their tents are proverbial for rugged nomadic life (Song of Songs 1:5). • The prophet Isaiah pictures Kedar’s villages exalting the Lord (Isaiah 42:11) and their rams being accepted on God’s altar (Isaiah 60:7). • Jeremiah targets Kedar for judgment (Jeremiah 49:28–32), showing that God deals with all nations according to their response to Him. • Psalm 120:5 laments dwelling “among the tents of Kedar,” illustrating spiritual darkness apart from covenant blessing. Adbeel “…Adbeel…” (Genesis 25:13) • Though little is recorded beyond his name (repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:29), Adbeel’s inclusion shows every branch of Ishmael’s family mattered to God. • The listing fulfills the word spoken to Hagar that Ishmael would father “twelve princes” (Genesis 17:20), emphasizing God’s meticulous faithfulness. Mibsam “…Mibsam,” (Genesis 25:13) • Like Adbeel, Mibsam is otherwise unknown, yet Scripture preserves his name. God’s covenant dealings are not only with the prominent but with all descendants. • This quiet mention reminds us that even obscure lives lie within the sweep of divine promise (compare Matthew 10:30, where every hair is numbered). summary Genesis 25:13 records the first four of Ishmael’s twelve sons, highlighting God’s precise fulfillment of His promise to multiply Ishmael. Nebaioth’s primacy, Kedar’s prominence, and the otherwise obscure Adbeel and Mibsam all testify that God’s Word captures both the famous and the forgotten, assuring us that His plans reach every corner of every family line. |
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