The Agarenes, also known as Hagrites, are a group mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the descendants of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah and the mother of Ishmael. The name "Agarenes" is derived from Hagar, and they are often identified with the Ishmaelites, though some distinctions are made in the biblical texts.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 5:10, 19-20 : The Agarenes are mentioned in the context of the genealogies and military exploits of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. "During the days of Saul, they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands. They lived in their tents throughout the entire region east of Gilead." This passage highlights the conflict between the Israelites and the Agarenes, indicating their presence east of the Jordan River.

2. Psalm 83:6 : The Agarenes are listed among the enemies of Israel in a psalm that calls for divine intervention against a coalition of nations. "The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites." This verse places the Agarenes in a broader context of opposition to Israel, alongside other neighboring peoples.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Agarenes are traditionally understood to be a nomadic people, likely inhabiting regions in the Arabian Peninsula and the Transjordan area. Their mention in the genealogies and military accounts of the Old Testament suggests they were a significant group during the early history of Israel.

The association with Hagar and Ishmael ties the Agarenes to the broader narrative of Abraham's descendants. Hagar, an Egyptian, was given to Abraham as a concubine by Sarah, leading to the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16). Ishmael is considered the progenitor of several Arab tribes, and the Agarenes are often included in this lineage.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Agarenes represent the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar and 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 echoed in Genesis 21:18 , where God reassures Hagar, "I will make him into a great nation."

The Agarenes, as descendants of Hagar, serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, even to those outside the covenant line of Isaac. Their interactions with Israel, often marked by conflict, also reflect the broader theme of tension between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael, a motif that has historical and spiritual implications throughout the biblical narrative.

Conclusion:

The Agarenes, or Hagrites, are a testament to the complex relationships between the peoples of the ancient Near East and the unfolding of God's plan through the lineage of Abraham. Their presence in the biblical text underscores the diverse and often contentious interactions between Israel and its neighbors, while also highlighting the broader narrative of God's promises and their fulfillment across generations.AGARENES

ag-a-renz': Baruch 3:23 the King James Version. In the Old Testament the word is HAGARENES (which see).

See also AGAR.

The General Service to Two or Many Martyrs.
... offering zealously immolated for Christ, the sacredly-selected army, let us vociferate
unto them: Do break the fury of the godless Agarenes and deliver from ...
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Agarenes
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AGARENES. ag-a-renz': Baruch 3:23 the King James
Version. In the Old Testament the word is HAGARENES (which see). ...
/a/agarenes.htm - 6k

Agate (4 Occurrences)

/a/agate.htm - 9k

Agar (2 Occurrences)

/a/agar.htm - 7k

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