The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of Joseph. The Ishmaelites are often associated with trade and commerce, as evidenced by their involvement in the sale of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob.

Biblical Account of the Ishmaelites and Joseph

The account of Joseph being sold into slavery is a pivotal moment in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, favored by his father Jacob, incurs the jealousy of his brothers, leading them to conspire against him. Initially, they plan to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, persuades them to throw Joseph into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later.

While Joseph is in the pit, a caravan of Ishmaelites approaches. Genesis 37:25-28 describes the scene: "As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.' And his brothers agreed. So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt."

This passage highlights the Ishmaelites' role as merchants, transporting goods such as spices, balm, and myrrh, which were valuable commodities in the ancient Near East. Their trade route from Gilead to Egypt underscores their involvement in long-distance commerce.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Ishmaelites, as descendants of Ishmael, are traditionally seen as a nomadic group, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula. Their lifestyle and economic activities were largely centered around trade, which is consistent with the biblical portrayal of them as merchants. The goods they carried—spices, balm, and myrrh—were typical of the trade items that moved along the ancient trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, and Egypt.

Theological Implications

The sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelites is a significant event in the unfolding of God's providential plan. Despite the treachery of his brothers, Joseph's journey to Egypt sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. In Egypt, Joseph rises to a position of power, ultimately saving his family from famine and preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

The involvement of the Ishmaelites in this narrative serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's creation and the unexpected ways in which His purposes are accomplished. The Ishmaelites, though not part of the covenant line, are used by God to further His divine plan, illustrating the broader scope of His sovereignty and grace.Genesis 37:25-36
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 39:1
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Nave's Topical Index

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... and sold him to the Midianitish merchants passing forth ... an Egyptian, bought him of
the hands of Ishmaelites. ... Joseph descended into Egypt for to buy wheat, and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

"Ye are the Light of the World. "
... was sold as a slave into Egypt by the Ishmaelites; yet he ... We are not told that the
merchants are going to shine ... We are not here to buy and sell and get gain, to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter ix ye are the.htm

True Wisdom.
... was sold as a slave into Egypt by the Ishmaelites; yet he ... We are not told that the
merchants are going to shine ... We are not here to buy and sell and get gain, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... by me, Let's sell him to these Ishmaelites, for he ... And now these merchants, sons
of Ishmael, Again did poor ... brethren came among the rest To buy provision, for ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Egyptian sailors used to set out to traffic along the seaboard, taking to piracy
when hard pressed; Egyptian merchants were accustomed to penetrate by easy ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Who were the Ishmaelites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org

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