The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: To be a Great Nation
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the first son of Abraham through Hagar, are a significant group in biblical history. The narrative of Ishmael and his progeny is woven throughout the Scriptures, with particular emphasis on the divine promises and predictions concerning their future.

Biblical Background

Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, as recorded in Genesis 16. His birth was a result of Sarah's impatience for God's promise of a son through her, leading her to offer Hagar to Abraham. Despite the circumstances of his birth, God had a distinct plan for Ishmael and his descendants.

Divine Promises to Ishmael

The Bible records specific promises made by God concerning Ishmael and his descendants. In Genesis 16:10, the Angel of the Lord speaks to Hagar, saying, "I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count." This promise indicates a future of vast multiplication and growth for Ishmael's lineage.

Further, in Genesis 17:20, God reassures Abraham regarding Ishmael, stating, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation." This promise not only assures Abraham of Ishmael's prosperity but also foretells the establishment of a significant and influential nation.

Fulfillment of the Promises

The fulfillment of these promises is evident in the genealogical records and historical accounts within the Scriptures. Genesis 25:12-16 lists the twelve sons of Ishmael, who became tribal leaders, known as princes, each governing their own territory. This aligns with the prophecy of Ishmael fathering twelve rulers.

The Ishmaelites, as a people, are often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. Their influence and presence are noted in various biblical narratives, including the account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to a caravan of Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:25-28).

Significance in Biblical Prophecy

The prediction of Ishmael's descendants becoming a great nation is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, regardless of human circumstances. The Ishmaelites' growth into a formidable and numerous people serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes through all peoples and nations.

The legacy of the Ishmaelites, as foretold in the Scriptures, underscores the broader biblical theme of God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through diverse lineages and nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 21:13,18
And also of the son of the female slave will I make a nation, because he is your seed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... Testaments are not so much predictions of what ... an argument at this point respecting
the believer's ... Further; these Ishmaelites were journeying to Egypt, which ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

Resources
Who were the Ishmaelites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Ishmaelites

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

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Ishmaelites: Predictions Respecting: Their Submission to Christ
Top of Page
Top of Page