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Lesser Known People of the Bible: Ishmael

Clayton Hayes

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The story of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. But there is much more to Ishmael than most people realize. In this article, we will explore the life of Ishmael and his descendants, the Ishmaelites. We will also discuss the significance of Ishmael in the Bible and in the history of the Middle East.

Lesser Known People of the Bible: Ishmael

by Dante Fortson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Birth of Ishmael

Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar, an Egyptian slave. Abraham was 86 years old at the time, and Sarah, his wife, was barren. Sarah had given Hagar to Abraham as a concubine, in the hope that she would bear a child for them. When Hagar became pregnant, Sarah became jealous and mistreated her. Hagar ran away into the wilderness, where she was met by an angel of the Lord. The angel told Hagar to return to Abraham and Sarah, and that she would bear a son. Hagar did as the angel commanded, and she gave birth to Ishmael.

Ishmael and Isaac

Ishmael was raised in Abraham's household, alongside Isaac, Sarah's son. Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90. Isaac was the promised heir of Abraham, and he received the covenant of circumcision. Ishmael, on the other hand, was not considered to be the heir of Abraham. When Isaac was weaned, Sarah demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. Abraham was reluctant to do this, but he eventually agreed. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness, where they wandered for many years.

The Ishmaelites

Ishmael grew up to be a skilled archer and hunter. He married an Egyptian woman, and he had 12 sons. The Ishmaelites, as they were called, became a powerful nomadic tribe. They lived in the wilderness of the Negev, and they raided the settlements of the Israelites. The Ishmaelites were also involved in the slave trade. They sold Joseph, the son of Jacob, to the Egyptians.

The Significance of Ishmael

Ishmael is a significant figure in the Bible. He is the son of Abraham, and he is the father of the Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites were a powerful nomadic tribe, and they played a role in the history of the Middle East. Ishmael is also mentioned in the Qur'an, and he is considered to be the ancestor of the Arabs.

The story of Ishmael is a reminder that God's plans are often not what we expect. Ishmael was not the heir of Abraham, but he was still a chosen by God. The Ishmaelites became a powerful tribe, and they played a role in the history of the Middle East. Ishmael is a reminder that God's love and grace are available to all people, regardless of their birth or circumstances.

Lesser Known People of the Bible: Ishmael

by Dante Fortson

4.4 out of 5