Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ishmael is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the first son of Abraham. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Ishmael's life and legacy have had a profound impact on biblical history and theology, particularly in relation to God's covenant with Abraham and the subsequent lineage of nations. Birth and Early Life: Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Sarah, who was barren at the time, gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife in hopes of obtaining children through her. This decision was made in accordance with the customs of the time, as recorded in Genesis 16:1-4. Hagar conceived and bore Ishmael when Abraham was eighty-six years old (Genesis 16:15-16). Divine Promises and Prophecies: Before Ishmael's birth, an angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, promising that her son would be named Ishmael, meaning "God hears," because the Lord had heard her affliction. The angel also prophesied that Ishmael would be "a wild donkey of a man" and that his hand would be against everyone, and everyone's hand against him (Genesis 16:11-12). Covenant and Circumcision: When Ishmael was thirteen years old, God established His covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations. Although the covenant was specifically through Isaac, the son promised to Sarah, God also made provisions for Ishmael. God assured Abraham that Ishmael would be blessed, become fruitful, and be the father of twelve princes, making him a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Ishmael was circumcised at the same time as Abraham, marking the sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:23-26). Separation from Isaac: The birth of Isaac, the child of promise, led to tension between Sarah and Hagar. Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac and urged Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. God instructed Abraham to heed Sarah's request, reassuring him that Ishmael would also become a nation because he was Abraham's offspring (Genesis 21:9-13). Hagar and Ishmael were sent into the wilderness, where God provided for them and reiterated His promise to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:17-18). Later Life and Legacy: Ishmael settled in the wilderness of Paran and became an archer. His mother, Hagar, found him a wife from Egypt (Genesis 21:20-21). Ishmael fathered twelve sons, who became tribal leaders, fulfilling God's promise of making him a great nation (Genesis 25:12-16). Ishmael lived to be 137 years old, and his descendants are traditionally associated with various Arab tribes. Significance in Biblical Narrative: Ishmael's account highlights themes of God's faithfulness and the complexity of human relationships. While the covenantal promise was fulfilled through Isaac, Ishmael's life demonstrates God's care and provision for all of Abraham's descendants. Ishmael's legacy is seen in the formation of nations and his role in the broader narrative of God's plan for humanity. References in the New Testament: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul references Ishmael in his allegory of the two covenants in Galatians 4:21-31. Paul contrasts Ishmael, born according to the flesh, with Isaac, born through the promise, to illustrate the difference between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of grace. Conclusion: Ishmael remains a pivotal figure in biblical history, representing God's mercy and the unfolding of His divine plan through both chosen and non-chosen lines. His account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises across generations. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISMAELis'-ma-el. Strong's Hebrew 5032. Nebayoth -- oldest son of Ishmael, also his desc.... Or Nbayoth {neb-aw-yoth'}; feminine plural from nuwb; fruitfulnesses; Nebajoth, a son of Ismael, and the country settled by him -- Nebaioth, Nebajoth. ... /hebrew/5032.htm - 6k Library Concerning Abimelech; and Concerning Ismael the Son of Abraham ... How Human Actions are Without Worth when they are done Without ... How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ... But in Jud??a, Over Which, as we have Related Above... Book 20 Footnotes After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ... Book 1 Footnotes: The Antiquities of the Jews List of Bishops. Samaria. Sychem. Thesaurus IsmaelIsmael. Ismachi'ah, Ismael. Ismaerus . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISMAEL. is'-ma-el. See ISHMAEL. Ismachi'ah, Ismael. Ismaerus . ... /i/ismael.htm - 6k Ishmael (44 Occurrences) Ismaerus Ismachi'ah (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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