Naphish is one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Naphish is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis and the First Book of Chronicles. His name is sometimes rendered as "Nephish" in various translations, but the Berean Standard Bible uses "Naphish."

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 25:13-16 : "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:29-31 : "These are their genealogies: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Naphish, as a descendant of Ishmael, is part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation. In Genesis 17:20 , God says, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will multiply him greatly. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation." Naphish, along with his brothers, represents the establishment of these twelve tribes or rulers.

The Ishmaelites, including the descendants of Naphish, were known to inhabit regions in the northern Arabian Peninsula. They were often involved in trade and commerce, as evidenced by their interactions with other biblical figures, such as Joseph, who was sold to Ishmaelite traders (Genesis 37:25-28).

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Naphish is later mentioned in the context of the Transjordan tribes. In 1 Chronicles 5:19 , the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. This indicates that the descendants of Naphish had established themselves as a distinct group with territorial claims and were involved in regional conflicts.

Theological Implications:

Naphish's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite Ishmael not being the child of promise through whom the covenant would be established (that role belonged to Isaac), God still honored His word to Abraham by making Ishmael's descendants into a significant and numerous people. This reflects the biblical principle that God's purposes and blessings extend beyond the immediate covenant community, showcasing His sovereignty and grace.

Naphish, as part of Ishmael's lineage, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of divine promise, human agency, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.Genesis 25:15
Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:31
Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.
Nave's Topical Index

5305. Naphish -- a son of Ishmael
... Naphish. From naphash; refreshed; Naphish, a son of Ishmael, and his posterity --
Naphish. see HEBREW naphash. 5304, 5305. Naphish. 5306 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/5305.htm - 6k

Chapter xxv
... is the history of Ishmael, the son of Abraham ... their generations: the first-born of
Ishmael Nebaioth; and ... and Massa; Hadad and Temah, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

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