The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, are a significant group in biblical history, often depicted as adversaries to the Israelites. Ishmael, whose name means "God hears," was born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, as a result of Sarah's impatience for God's promise of a son (Genesis 16:1-16). The Lord promised Hagar that Ishmael would become a great nation, saying, "He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers" (Genesis 16:12).

Genealogy and Early History

Ishmael had twelve sons, who became tribal leaders and settled in the region from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt (Genesis 25:13-18). These tribes are often associated with the nomadic peoples of the Arabian Peninsula. The Ishmaelites are sometimes identified with the Midianites, as seen in the account of Joseph's sale into slavery. Genesis 37:28 states, "So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt" . This interchangeability suggests a close relationship or overlap between these groups.

Conflict and Hostility

The Ishmaelites are frequently portrayed as adversaries to the descendants of Isaac, Ishmael's half-brother. This enmity is rooted in the familial tensions between Sarah and Hagar, and by extension, their sons. The Apostle Paul references this conflict allegorically in Galatians 4:29, stating, "But just as at that time the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now" .

Throughout the Old Testament, the Ishmaelites are often listed among the enemies of Israel. In Psalm 83, they are mentioned in a coalition of nations plotting against God's people: "the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites" (Psalm 83:6). This passage underscores the persistent hostility and opposition faced by Israel from surrounding nations, including the Ishmaelites.

Cultural and Economic Influence

Despite their adversarial role, the Ishmaelites were also influential in trade and commerce. Their caravans traversed the ancient Near East, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture. This economic activity is highlighted in the account of Joseph, where the Ishmaelites are depicted as traders transporting spices, balm, and myrrh to Egypt (Genesis 37:25).

Legacy and Significance

The Ishmaelites' legacy is complex, as they are both kin and adversaries to the Israelites. Their account is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants, both through Isaac and Ishmael. The Ishmaelites' presence in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of the broader familial and spiritual conflicts that have shaped the history of God's chosen people.Psalm 83:6
The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Nave's Topical Index

Jehoshaphat
... For, lo, Thine enemies make a tumult: ... That the name of Israel may be no more
in remembrance. ... The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... flesh, of which he saith, "Behold Israel after the ... Psalms: "The tabernacles of the
Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moab and ... out the cause why they are enemies of God's ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... Thee: the tabernacles of Edom and the Ishmaelites; of Moab ... Israel, too, shall be
used by God in this work of judgment upon their ancient enemies: "But they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... celebrated the overthrow of their Egyptian enemies mentions the ... in the old poetry
of Israel Yahveh was said ... Arabia, however, was the home of the Ishmaelites. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... Judas is the Greek form of the same word) advised his brethren to sell Joseph to
the Ishmaelites. ... He delivered Israel from all their enemies and vanquished ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Avenging of the Saviour.
... son of Nahum, of the race of the Ishmaelites, and I ... it with my own eyes, and all
the house of Israel. ... Thy birth, to take vengeance on Thine enemies; and help me ...
/.../unknown/the avenging of the saviour/the avenging of the saviour.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... and the opportune appearance of the Ishmaelites who were ... hindered "the wrath of their
enemies from swallowing up" the children of Israel, though he ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... and Christ""from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.". ... Just so are the enemies
of God's people. ... as Providence would have it, the Ishmaelites did pass ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy.
... Lord appointed it so, until they sold him to the Ishmaelites. ... from the Lord, and
be divided in Israel, and ye ... idol will ye worship, and your enemies shall lead ...
/.../vi the testament of zebulun concerning.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... Joseph should be sold to the passing Ishmaelites, who carried him ... to melt the hearts
of his enemies, was seen ... sent unto all the children of Israel and gathered ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

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