Nebaioth: Son of Ishmael
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Nebaioth is recognized as the firstborn son of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. His name appears in several passages within the Old Testament, and he is considered a significant figure in the genealogical and historical narratives of the Bible.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 25:13 · Nebaioth is listed as the firstborn of Ishmael: "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."

2. Genesis 28:9 · Nebaioth is indirectly mentioned in the context of Esau's marriage: "So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had." This passage highlights the familial connections between the descendants of Ishmael and Esau, the son of Isaac.

3. 1 Chronicles 1:29 · The genealogical record in Chronicles reiterates Nebaioth's position as Ishmael's firstborn: "These are their descendants: Nebaioth the firstborn, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam."

4. Isaiah 60:7 · Nebaioth is mentioned in a prophetic context, symbolizing the future glory of Zion: "All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance. I will adorn My glorious house." This passage suggests the inclusion of Ishmael's descendants in the eschatological vision of worship and unity.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Nebaioth, as the firstborn of Ishmael, holds a place of prominence among the Ishmaelite tribes. The Ishmaelites were known as nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula, and Nebaioth's descendants likely played a role in the development of these communities. The mention of Nebaioth alongside Kedar, another prominent Ishmaelite tribe, indicates their significance in the region.

The prophetic mention of Nebaioth in Isaiah 60:7 is particularly noteworthy. It reflects the broader biblical theme of the inclusion of Gentile nations in the worship of Yahweh, pointing to a future where all nations, including the descendants of Ishmael, would come to acknowledge and worship the God of Israel.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Nebaioth's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding Ishmael. In Genesis 17:20, God promises to bless Ishmael and make him fruitful, establishing a great nation through his descendants. Nebaioth, as Ishmael's firstborn, is a testament to this divine promise.

Furthermore, the prophetic vision in Isaiah, where the rams of Nebaioth are accepted on God's altar, symbolizes the eventual reconciliation and unity of all peoples under God's covenant. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and the ultimate gathering of all nations to worship the one true God.

In summary, Nebaioth, as the firstborn of Ishmael, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, representing both the fulfillment of God's promises and the prophetic vision of unity among all nations. His legacy is intertwined with the broader themes of covenant, promise, and redemption that permeate the Scriptures.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 25:13
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
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Genesis 28:9
Then went Esau to Ishmael, and took to the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.
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Genesis 36:3
And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.
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1 Chronicles 1:29
These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
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Strong's Hebrew
5032. Nebayoth -- oldest son of Ishmael, also his desc.
... Nebaioth. Word Origin from nabat Definition oldest son of Ishmael, also
his desc. NASB Word Usage Nebaioth (5). Nebaioth, Nebajoth. ...
/hebrew/5032.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxv
... This is the history of Ishmael, the son of Abraham whom Hagar the ... Ishmael named
according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael Nebaioth; and Kedar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Chapter xxviii
... not Isaac, his father, then Esau went to Ishmael and took to wife Mahalath, the
daughter of Ishmael the son of Abraham, and the sister of Nebaioth in addition ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... granddaughter of Zibeon, the Hivite; and besides, Basemath, Ishmael's daughter,
the sister of Nebaioth. ... names of the sons of Esau: Eliphaz, the son of Adah ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Resources
Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

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