Topical Encyclopedia The genealogy of Ishmael is a significant aspect of biblical history, as it traces the lineage of Abraham's firstborn son, Ishmael, and highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants. Ishmael, whose name means "God hears," was born to Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, as recorded in Genesis 16. Ishmael's birth was a result of Sarah's impatience for God's promise of a son, leading her to offer Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate.Biblical Account The account of Ishmael's genealogy is primarily found in Genesis 25:12-18. The passage begins by stating, "This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham" (Genesis 25:12). Ishmael's genealogy is significant as it establishes the twelve tribal leaders who descended from him, fulfilling God's promise to make him a great nation. The Twelve Princes Genesis 25:13-16 lists the names of Ishmael's sons, who became the leaders of twelve tribes: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah" (Genesis 25:13-15). These sons are referred to as "princes" or "chieftains," indicating their roles as leaders of their respective tribes. Territory and Settlement The descendants of Ishmael settled in the region stretching from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as one goes toward Assyria. This area is described in Genesis 25:18: "His descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers" (Genesis 25:18). This settlement pattern reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar that Ishmael would live in defiance of his relatives (Genesis 16:12). God's Promise to Ishmael God's promise to Hagar concerning Ishmael is a crucial element of his genealogy. 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" . Later, in Genesis 17:20, God reiterates His promise to Abraham, saying, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation" . These promises underscore God's faithfulness and the importance of Ishmael's lineage in the biblical narrative. Ishmael's Role in Biblical History While Ishmael is not the child of promise through whom the covenant would be established—that role belongs to Isaac—his genealogy is nonetheless significant. Ishmael's descendants played a role in the broader narrative of the ancient Near East, and his lineage is often associated with various Arab tribes. The genealogical record of Ishmael serves as a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His plans through diverse peoples and nations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:12-16Now 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 1:28-31 Library Genesis. The Pentateuch. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Index i. Of Subjects The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... The City of God. Index of Subjects. Chapter iv Resources Why are Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke so different? | GotQuestions.orgIs there an error in the counting of the 14 generations in Matthew chapter 1? | GotQuestions.org Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org Genealogy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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