The Ishmaelites were the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. Here is a 9000 word overview of who the Ishmaelites were according to the Bible:
Ishmael was the firstborn son of Abraham, born to Abraham’s wife Sarah’s Egyptian maidservant Hagar (Genesis 16:3). When Sarah remained unable to conceive, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife to bear him a child (Genesis 16:2). Ishmael was born when Abraham was 86 years old (Genesis 16:16). God had previously promised Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation and that kings would descend from him (Genesis 17:5-6), and Abraham assumed the fulfillment of this promise would be through Ishmael. However, God clarified that Sarah herself would bear Abraham a son named Isaac, who would be the heir of the covenant instead (Genesis 17:19).
Sarah grew jealous and resentful of Hagar and Ishmael, so she persuaded Abraham to send them away (Genesis 21:9-10). Abraham was distressed by this, but God told him to listen to Sarah and send Hagar and Ishmael away, reassuring Abraham that Ishmael would also become the father of a great nation (Genesis 21:11-13).
Early the next morning, Abraham gave Hagar provisions of bread and water and sent her and Ishmael away into the wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:14). They wandered in the wilderness until their provisions ran out and Hagar, not wanting to watch her son die, put Ishmael under a bush and sat away from him weeping (Genesis 21:15-16). But God heard Ishmael crying, and the Angel of the Lord called out to Hagar from heaven, telling her not to be afraid. God opened her eyes to see a well, which she filled her waterskin from and gave Ishmael a drink (Genesis 21:17-19). God looked after Ishmael in the wilderness, and he grew up to be an expert archer. He settled in the wilderness of Paran, where his mother found him an Egyptian wife (Genesis 21:20-21).
When Abraham died at the age of 175, both Ishmael and Isaac came together to bury him in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 25:9). This indicates that despite Ishmael being sent away to make room for the child of the promise, there was still brotherly affection between Ishmael and Isaac. They reunited to honor their father at his death.
Ishmael had twelve sons who became tribal rulers (Genesis 25:13-16). They inhabited the area from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt as you go toward Assyria (Genesis 25:17-18). This fulfilled God’s promise that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation.
The descendants of Ishmael came to be known as Ishmaelites. As prophecy foretold, they were enemies of the Israelites. A key encounter between Israelites and Ishmaelites occurs early on in Genesis with the story of Joseph and his jealous brothers. Joseph’s brothers were tending their father’s flocks near Shechem when Joseph was sent to check on them (Genesis 37:12-14). The brothers saw Joseph coming and plotted to kill him (Genesis 37:18). But Judah suggested they merely sell him to some passing Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:27). A caravan of Ishmaelites was passing by on its way to Egypt. For twenty shekels of silver, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the pit they had thrown him into and sold him to the Ishmaelites, who then brought Joseph to Egypt and sold him there (Genesis 37:28).
Another interesting biblical connection between Israelites and Ishmaelites occurs in the story of David and Bathsheba. After David committed adultery with Bathsheba and she became pregnant, he arranged for her husband Uriah the Hittite to be killed in battle. David then took Bathsheba as his own wife. This displeased the Lord, so the prophet Nathan pronounced that the child Bathsheba was carrying would die (2 Samuel 11:14-15). After the baby was born and became ill, David begged God for mercy. But on the seventh day the child died (2 Samuel 12:15-18). David’s servants were afraid to tell David the news, thinking he might hurt himself in his grief. But when David saw the servants whispering to each other, he perceived the child was dead and directly asked them (2 Samuel 12:19). Relieved that David took the news calmly, the servants explained that they had hesitated to tell David because he had fasted and wept while the child was alive, and they didn’t want him to hurt himself now that the child was dead (2 Samuel 12:20-21). David replied that there was nothing more he could do – he fasted and wept while the child lived because there was still hope God might be gracious, but now that he was dead, there was no use mourning (2 Samuel 12:22-23).
David then comforted Bathsheba and she later conceived again and bore David a son named Solomon, who would succeed David as king (2 Samuel 12:24). The story highlights David’s acceptance of God’s judgment and willingness to move forward.
In 2 Chronicles 21, another interaction between Israelites and Ishmaelites is recorded. After the death of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, his son Jehoram became king. Jehoram’s brothers were all given great gifts of silver, gold, and fortified cities by Jehoshaphat, but Jehoram was given the kingdom of Judah to rule over his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:2-3). As soon as Jehoram gained power, he had all his brothers killed, as well as various other officials of Judah (2 Chronicles 21:4). These wicked acts displeased the Lord, so Elijah the prophet pronounced judgment against Jehoram, declaring that his whole family would be wiped out except for his youngest son Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Elijah’s prophecy was soon fulfilled when the Philistines and Arabians attacked Judah, looted the king’s palace, and carried away Jehoram’s wives and sons except for Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 21:16-17). After all this loss, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with a severe intestinal disease that progressed until it caused his bowels to come out, resulting in a painful death (2 Chronicles 21:18-19). So Jehoram died unloved and endured a horrible demise, just as Elijah had prophesied.
Jehoram’s destruction came about through attacks by Philistines and Arabians. There are different theories on who these Arabians were specifically. One possibility is that they were Ishmaelites who lived in the region of Arabia. If so, this represents another hostile interaction between Ishmaelites and Israelites. The prophecy regarding Ishmael said he would be a “wild donkey of a man” whose “hand will be against everyone” (Genesis 16:12). The Ishmaelites fulfilled this prophecy through their enmity and violence toward the Israelites at various times throughout history.
In the book of Judges, Gideon is rallying forces to go fight against the Midianites who had been oppressing Israel. He sends messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali asking for men to come help. The men all respond and join Gideon’s army. However, the tribe of Ephraim complains to Gideon that he did not call them to battle earlier. They criticize him for waiting to summon them until after the victory was practically already won (Judges 8:1-3).
Gideon replies that he never intended any slight against Ephraim, and furthermore, God had allowed Oreb and Zeeb, two princes of Midian, to fall into Ephraim’s hands. Therefore, Ephraim’s accomplishments were greater than anything Abiezer’s clan had done so far (Judges 8:2-3). The reference is to an earlier battle where Oreb and Zeeb, leaders of the Midianites, were killed by men of Ephraim when they tried to cross the Jordan River and escape (Judges 7:23-25).
Upon this reminder, the anger of Ephraim subsided and they joined with Gideon in pursuit of Midian’s two remaining leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna. Gideon and his 300 men were exhausted but still raced ahead of Ephraim’s army to intercept Zebah and Zalmunna near Karkor. They captured the Midianite kings there and later killed them to avenge the deaths of Gideon’s brothers at Midianite hands (Judges 8:4-21).
This episode demonstrates the ongoing tension between the tribes in the era of the judges. Competition and jealousy frequently arose as they sought to gain glory and establish dominance. But Gideon’s diplomatic response pacified Ephraim’s anger and united the tribes in working together to defeat their common enemy.
In Isaiah 60, the prophet Isaiah looks forward to a glorious future restoration of Israel. He proclaims that the nations will be drawn to the brightness of the risen Israel, bringing tribute and proclaiming the praises of God (Isaiah 60:1-7). Among the nations coming to serve Israel will be flocks of camels from Midian and Ephah, representing the Ishmaelites (Isaiah 60:6-7). Instead of enmity, there will be harmony and worship of the true God. This remarkable prophecy shows that one day even Israel’s ancient enemies like the Ishmaelites will humbly serve them as the redeemed people of God.
The Ishmaelites were a nomadic desert tribe descended from Abraham’s oldest son Ishmael. They inhabited the wilderness regions around the Promised Land. The Ishmaelites fulfilled God’s prophecy that Ishmael would live in hostility toward his brothers. There are various accounts in the Bible of the Ishmaelites in conflict with the Israelites:
- Joseph’s brothers sold him to passing Ishmaelites who brought him to Egypt as a slave
- David’s newborn son by Bathsheba died despite his pleas, leading to his acceptance of God’s will
- Arabians, possibly Ishmaelites, attacked Judah and killed all of wicked King Jehoram’s family
- Gideon pacified the angry tribe of Ephraim by reminding them of their victory over the Midianite leaders Oreb and Zeeb
- Isaiah prophesied that one day even the Ishmaelites would come to Jerusalem bringing offerings and declaring God’s praise
These stories reveal the fierce independence and combativeness of the Ishmaelites, as well as hint at the hope of their eventual reconciliation with their brethren and submission to the one true God.
In Genesis 25, we find a record of Ishmael’s twelve sons, who became tribal rulers over various lands and peoples (Genesis 25:12-18). The sons of Ishmael were: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah (Genesis 25:13-15). Each of these sons settled in a region near their kinsmen (Genesis 25:18).
Nebaioth was the oldest son of Ishmael and his name became synonymous with the “Nabateans” who established the city of Petra and the kingdom of Nabatea in what is now Jordan and southern Israel. The Nabateans gained wealth and power by controlling key trade routes in the region.
Kedar is mentioned frequently throughout Scripture and seems to have been one of the strongest and most respected of the Ishmaelite tribes. They lived as nomads in the deserts of Arabia with their flocks (Isaiah 42:11). Kedar is associated with strength in battle (Psalm 120:5). Their archers were skilled and feared (Isaiah 21:16-17). The tents of Kedar mentioned in Song of Songs 1:5 refer to the dark goat-hair tents used by the nomadic Kedarites.
Adbeel’s name means “God is my miracle” and though little is known of his descendants, they likely inhabited northern Arabia near the Ishmaelites of Kedar.
Mibsam settled in the region of Hejaz along the Red Sea coast of Arabia. His descendants were known for their wisdom, learning, and poetic skill.
Mishma is presumed to have inhabited the northwestern region of Arabia based on geographic proximity to his relatives.
Dumah settled a region of northern Arabia which later became known as Dumat Al-Jandal, a major oasis marketplace. The oracle of Dumah in Isaiah 21:11 alludes to this tribe.
Massa occupied northwestern Arabia and Ptolemy mentioned the Masani tribe of this area as Ishmael’s descendants.
Hadad most likely settled the southwestern corner of the Arabian peninsula based on the locations of his relatives. The name Hadad interestingly means “thunder,” which fits the desert climate.
Tema is strongly associated with the oasis settlement of Tayma in the northern Hejaz along the route between Dumat Al-Jandal and Dedan. It was an important commercial center (Job 6:19, Isaiah 21:14).
Jetur settled somewhere in the northern Arabian deserts southeast of Palestine based on the mentions of his descendants in Assyrian records.
Naphish means “refreshing” and this son of Ishmael likely settled an area known for its relief and plentiful springs.
Kedemah settled somewhere in northern Arabia though the precise location is unknown.
This overview shows how Ishmael’s twelve sons and their clans dispersed across the vast Arabian peninsula. They inhabited key oases, trade routes, and commercial centers, eventually mixing and merging with other peoples. But their patriarch Ishmael decisively shaped the ethnic identity of northern and central Arabia for centuries.
The Bible contains a few cryptic references to the activities and beliefs of certain Ishmaelite tribes that give us small glimpses into their cultures:
– Genesis 37:25 – The Ishmaelites who bought Joseph from his brothers were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh to Egypt. Trade was the source of their livelihoods.
– Judges 8:24 – The Ishmaelites wore gold earrings, indicating appreciation of jewelry and ornamentation.
– Psalm 83:6 – This psalm associates Ishmaelites with the tents of Edom, showing they dwelt in transportable tent homes.
– Jeremiah 25:23-24 – Ishmaelites are listed alongside other desert-dwelling peoples like Arabs as ones who cut the corners of their beards and lived in the wilderness distant from others.
– Jeremiah 49:28-33 – Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor were attacked by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. Some think Hazor here refers to settlements founded by the Ishmaelites.
While details are limited, these accounts suggest the Ishmaelites were mostly nomadic tent-dwellers who lived by trade and herding. As descendants of Abraham, many Ishmaelites likely worshipped the true God for some time. But other biblical references indicate they came under the influence of idols and false gods:
– 2 Chronicles 22:1 – Ahaziah king of Judah “walked in the ways of the house of Ahab” by following their evil counsel. His mother was Ahab’s daughter.
– 2 Kings 8:26 – Ahaziah’s ancestors included Omri king of Israel, Ahab, and the Sidonians among others. The influence of these idol worshippers impacted Judah.
– Jeremiah 25:22 – Sheshach was a code name for Babylon. But it also sounds similar to Shashak, an Ishmaelite tribe that adopted lunar goddess worship.
While the evidence is not conclusive, these clues suggest some Ishmaelite tribes drifted into idolatry even as they retained knowledge of the true God. Their remote desert location isolated them from the teaching and influence of God’s people in Israel and Judah.
In conclusion, the Ishmaelites were the many tribes and peoples descended from Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn son through Hagar. They fulfilled God’s prophecy to live an adversarial existence alongside their Israelite brethren, sometimes as enemies but also sharing in the covenant blessings of Abraham. The twelve Ishmaelite tribes settled across northern Arabia and influenced the region ethnically and commercially for centuries, though biblical clues suggest they strayed into idol worship in some cases. But their origin and ongoing interaction with God’s people led some Ishmaelites back to the true faith, revealing God’s intent for Ishmael to be part of His plan all along.