The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a nomadic people often in conflict with the Israelites. Their lineage is traced back to Genesis 16:15, where Hagar bore Abram a son named Ishmael. The Ishmaelites are traditionally associated with the Midianites and other nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

In the Book of Judges, the Ishmaelites are notably involved in the narrative of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. During this period, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples, including the Ishmaelites. Judges 6:3-5 describes how these groups would invade Israel, destroy the produce of the land, and leave no sustenance for Israel, leading to severe impoverishment.

Gideon, called by God to deliver Israel, is empowered to confront these oppressors. Judges 7 recounts the miraculous victory over the Midianites and their allies. Despite having a significantly smaller force, Gideon, with only 300 men, defeats the vast army of the Midianites and Ishmaelites. This victory is attributed to divine intervention, as God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to ensure that the triumph is recognized as the work of the Lord, not of human might.

The Ishmaelites are specifically mentioned in Judges 8:24 , where Gideon requests the earrings of the plunder from the defeated enemies, noting that the Ishmaelites wore gold earrings. This detail highlights the wealth and cultural practices of the Ishmaelites, distinguishing them from other groups.

The defeat of the Ishmaelites and their allies by Gideon serves as a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness to Israel. It underscores the theme of reliance on divine power rather than human strength, a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative. The account of Gideon's victory over the Ishmaelites is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.Judges 8:10-24
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Gideon, fleece of, [427]158, [428]329, [429]634 ... Ishmaelites, [587]398; type of worldly
seeking Christians, [588]590 ... temptation, [992]32; can be overcome only by ...
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