Topical Encyclopedia The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, are a significant group in biblical history. According to Genesis 16:15, "So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne." Ishmael is traditionally considered the progenitor of several tribes that settled in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions.Geographical Location and Territory The original possessions of the Ishmaelites are primarily associated with the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Genesis 25:18 provides insight into their territorial expanse: "His descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Asshur." This description suggests a vast area stretching from the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula to the border of Egypt, encompassing parts of modern-day Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and possibly extending towards Iraq. Tribal Affiliations and Lifestyle The Ishmaelites were a nomadic people, known for their skills in trade and commerce. They are often associated with the Midianites, as seen in the account of Joseph being sold into slavery. Genesis 37:28 states, "So when the Midianite traders passed 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 their involvement in the caravan trade routes that connected the ancient Near East. Cultural and Economic Influence The Ishmaelites played a crucial role in the economic landscape of the region. Their control over trade routes allowed them to facilitate the exchange of goods such as spices, incense, and precious metals. This economic activity is further evidenced in Genesis 37:25, which describes a caravan of Ishmaelites carrying "gum, balm, and myrrh" on their way to Egypt. Religious and Historical Significance From a biblical perspective, the Ishmaelites are often seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar regarding her son Ishmael. In Genesis 21:13, God assures Abraham, "Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the maidservant, because he is your offspring." This promise underscores the Ishmaelites' role as a distinct and enduring lineage within the broader narrative of the Abrahamic family. The Ishmaelites' interactions with the Israelites and other neighboring peoples are documented throughout the Old Testament, reflecting a complex relationship marked by both conflict and cooperation. Their presence in biblical history serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises and the intricate tapestry of human relationships in the ancient world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 25:18And they dwelled from Havilah to Shur, that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brothers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter xxxix The Nations of the South-East Chapter xvii The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Resources Who were the Ishmaelites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ishmaelites: Called Midianites Ishmaelites: Enemies to Israel Ishmaelites: Merchants of, Buy Joseph Ishmaelites: Region Occupied By The Ishmaelites were the Merchants of the East The Ishmaelites: Called: Arabians The Ishmaelites: Called: Hagarenes The Ishmaelites: Called: Hagarites The Ishmaelites: Descended from Abraham's Son, Ishmael The Ishmaelites: Divided Into Twelve Tribes The Ishmaelites: Dwelt in Tents The Ishmaelites: Governed by Kings The Ishmaelites: Heads of Tribes The Ishmaelites: Often Confederate Against Israel The Ishmaelites: Original Possessions of The Ishmaelites: Overcome by Gideon The Ishmaelites: Overcome by Reubenites and Gadites The Ishmaelites: Overcome by Uzziah The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: Their Glory to be Diminished The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: Their Submission to Christ The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be a Great Nation The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be Divided Into Twelve Tribes The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be Judged With the Nations The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be Numerous The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be Warlike and Predatory The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be Wild and Savage The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To Continue Independent The Ishmaelites: Probably Preached to by Paul The Ishmaelites: Rich in Cattle The Ishmaelites: Sent Flocks to Jehoshaphat The Ishmaelites: Sent Presents to Solomon The Ishmaelites: Travelled in Large Companies or Caravans The Ishmaelites: Waylaid and Plundered Travellers The Ishmaelites: Wore Ornaments of Gold Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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