The Ishmaelites, often identified with the Midianites in the biblical narrative, are descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. This connection is significant in understanding the complex relationships and interactions between the various tribes and peoples mentioned in the Old Testament.

Genealogy and Origin

Ishmael, the progenitor of the Ishmaelites, was born to Abraham and Hagar as recorded in Genesis 16. God promised Hagar that her son would become a great nation: "I will surely multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count" (Genesis 16:10). Ishmael had twelve sons, who became tribal leaders, as detailed in Genesis 25:13-16. These tribes settled in the region stretching from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as one goes toward Assyria (Genesis 25:18).

Interchangeable Use with Midianites

The terms "Ishmaelites" and "Midianites" are used interchangeably in certain biblical passages, suggesting a close relationship or overlap between these groups. In the account of Joseph being sold into slavery, the traders are referred to as both Ishmaelites and Midianites. Genesis 37:25-28 describes how Joseph's brothers sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelites, while Judges 8:24 refers to the Midianites as having Ishmaelite characteristics, such as wearing gold earrings.

Cultural and Economic Role

The Ishmaelites were known as traders and merchants, a role highlighted in the account of Joseph. The caravan that purchased Joseph was carrying spices, balm, and myrrh from Gilead to Egypt (Genesis 37:25). This indicates their involvement in long-distance trade routes, which were vital for the exchange of goods and culture in the ancient Near East.

Religious and Historical Significance

The Ishmaelites, as descendants of Abraham, hold a significant place in biblical history. Although not part of the covenant line through Isaac, they are still recipients of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. The Ishmaelites' interactions with the Israelites are marked by both conflict and coexistence, reflecting the broader narrative of the descendants of Abraham.

Biblical References

· Genesis 16:10: God's promise to Hagar about Ishmael's descendants.
· Genesis 25:13-18: The genealogy and settlement of Ishmael's sons.
· Genesis 37:25-28: The sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelites/Midianites.
· Judges 8:24: Reference to the Midianites' Ishmaelite characteristics.

The Ishmaelites, often synonymous with the Midianites, play a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, illustrating the complex tapestry of relationships among the descendants of Abraham. Their presence in the scriptures underscores themes of kinship, trade, and divine promise.Genesis 37:28,36
Then there passed by Midianites merchants; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 8:24,26
And Gideon said to them, I would desire a request of you, that you would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
Nave's Topical Index

The Nations of the South-East
... The Midianites seem to have continued in occupation of ... had to pass before the Edomites
were called upon to ... Arabia, however, was the home of the Ishmaelites. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an ... bought him of the hand of
the Ishmaelites, which had ... and was fled forth, that she called unto the men ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

What Cain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History ...
... Eve his wife, and she conceived, and bare a son, and called his name ... Sarah,"that
is, his descendants by Hagar and Keturah, the Ishmaelites, Midianites, etc. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 what cains reason was.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... to me, Even so, brother; for when the Ishmaelites took me ... even as He reproved Esau
among the Midianites, who deceived ... And I shall no longer be called a ravening ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... His father called him to go and find his brethren, to see how ... boy weeping in his
prison before a caravan of Ishmaelites, and then of Midianites, came in ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Jehoshaphat
... Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called; and upon ... The
tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; ... Do unto them as unto the Midianites; ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

The Israelites
... the Israelites, like the Ishmaelites, of a ... king Meneptah they are accordingly called
Israelu, "Israelites ... Moabites and Midianites, Ammonites and Bedawin, even ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... thus, he abiding in sorrow, the Midianites carried Joseph ... an Egyptian, bought him
of the hands of Ishmaelites. ... she was refused, she cried and called the men of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an ... described, of the caravan
of Ishmaelites with their ... in the wild, passionate men who called him 'father ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... was a very coarse garment"if it deserved to be called a garment ... But the Midianites
sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, a eunuch of ... those of Judah; Ishmaelites vs. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

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