Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations. These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was gathered to his people. They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.
Parallel Translations
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Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham.
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.
They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.
-
Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
Show all 3 translations
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Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bore unto Abraham.
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebaioth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
and Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa;
Hadad, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedem;
these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.
And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years; and he expired and died; and was gathered unto his people.
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Asshur: over against all his brethren he did settle.
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Cross-references (32)
- Genesis 17:20 (vv12, 16) As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become…
- Genesis 16:12 (v18) He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will live opposed to all…
- Genesis 20:1 (v18) Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in Gerar.
- 1 Chronicles 1:29-31 (v13) These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur,…
- Psalms 83:6 (v12) The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagrites;
Show all 31 cross-references
- Genesis 21:13 (v12) I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.”
- 1 Chronicles 5:19 (v15) They made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab.
- Isaiah 60:7 (v13) All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth will serve you. They will be accepted as offerings on my…
- Genesis 2:11 (v18) The name of the first is Pishon: it flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
- Genesis 10:7 (v18) The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan.
- Genesis 10:29 (v18) Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
- Genesis 13:10 (v18) Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and…
- Genesis 14:10 (v18) Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to…
- Genesis 15:15 (v17) but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.
- Genesis 16:10-15 (v12) Yahweh’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.” Yahweh’s angel said to…
- Genesis 17:23 (v16) Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among the men of Abraham’s…
- Genesis 21:21 (v18) He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother got a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.
- Genesis 25:7-8 (v17) These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a…
- 1 Samuel 15:7 (v18) Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt.
- 2 Kings 23:29 (v18) In his days Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates; and king Josiah went against him; and…
- Job 2:11 (v15) Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad…
- Psalms 78:64 (v18) Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows couldn’t weep.
- Psalms 120:5 (v13) Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
- Song of Solomon 1:5 (v13) I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.
- Isaiah 19:23-24 (v18) In that day there will be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria; and the…
- Isaiah 21:11 (v14) The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”
- Isaiah 21:16 (v14) For the Lord said to me, “Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail,
- Isaiah 42:11 (v13) Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices, with the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing. Let them…
- Genesis 21:14 (v18) Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a container of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave…
- Genesis 36:3 (v13) and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.
- Isaiah 21:16-17 (v13) For the Lord said to me, “Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail, and the residue of…
31 distinct cross-references across this passage (32 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv12, 18 12. Now these are the generations of Ishmael. This…
12. Now these are the generations of Ishmael. This narration is not superfluous. In the commencement of the chapter, Moses alludes to what was done for the sons of Keturah. Here he speaks designedly more at large, for the purpose of showing that the promise of God, given in the seventeenth chapter (Genesis 17:1-22,) was confirmed by its manifest accomplishment. In the first place, it was no common gift of God that Ishmael should have twelve sons who should possess rank and authority over as many tribes; but inasmuch as the event corresponded with the promise, we must chiefly consider the veracity of God, as well as the singular benevolence and honor which he manifested towards his servant Abraham, when, even in those benefits which were merely adventitious, he dealt so kindly and liberally with him; for that may rightly be regarded as adventitious which was superadded to the spiritual covenant: therefore Moses, after he has enumerated the towns in which the posterity of Ishmael was distributed, buries that whole race in oblivion, that substantial perpetuity may remain only in the Church, according to the declaration in Psalm 102:28, “the sons of sons shall inhabit.” Further, Moses, as with his finger, shows the wonderful counsel of God, because, in assigning a region distinct from the land of Canaan to the sons of Ishmael, he has both provided for them in future, and kept the inheritance vacant for the sons of Isaac.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv13, 17, 18 Hebrew, firstborn.
Hebrew, firstborn.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv12–18 Gen 25:12 Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael,…
Gen 25:12 Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
Ver. 12. These are the generations of Ishmael.] Who became the progenitor of twelve princes, according to the promise. {Gen 17:20}
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 14, 15, 18 They are here recorded as an evidence of God’s…
They are here recorded as an evidence of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promise made to Abraham, Gen 16:10; 17:20. cir. 1800
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv12–18 Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son,....…
Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son,.... Or the genealogy of his posterity; and which is given to show that the Lord was not unmindful of his promise made to Abraham, concerning the multiplication of his seed, Gen 16:10,
whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham; see Gen 16:1.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v17 He lived an hundred and thirty and seven years…
He lived an hundred and thirty and seven years - Which is recorded to shew the efficacy of Abraham's prayer for him, chap. xvii, 18. O that Ishmael might live before thee! Then he also was gathered to his people. And he died in the presence of all his brethren - With his friends about him. Who would not wish so to do?
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 Verse 12. These are the generations of Ishmael] The…
Verse 12. These are the generations of Ishmael] The object of the inspired writer seems to be to show how the promises of God were fulfilled to both the branches of Abraham's family. Isaac has been already referred to; God blessed him according to the promise. He had also promised to multiply Ishmael, and an account of his generation is introduced to show how exactly the promise had also been fulfilled to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v17 Gen 25:17. He lived a hundred and thirty-seven years…
Gen 25:17. He lived a hundred and thirty-seven years — Which is recorded to show the efficacy of Abraham’s prayer for him, Gen 17:18, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Then he also was gathered to his people. And he died in the presence of all his brethren — With his friends about him. Who would not wish so to die?
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On v12 - Section XI. - Isaac
- Section XI. - Isaac
- LII. History of Ishmael
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13. נבית nebāyot, Nebajoth, “heights.” קדר qēdār, Qedar, “black.” אדבאל 'adbe'ēl, Adbeel, “miracle of God?” מבשׂם mı̂bśām Mibsam, “sweet odor.”
14. משׁמע mı̂shma‛, Mishma‘, “hearing.” דוּמה dûmâh, Dumah, “silence.” משׂא maśā', Massa, “burden.”
15. חדר chădar, Chadar, “chamber;” or חדד chădad, Chadad, “sharpness;” תימא tēymā', Tema. יטוּר yeṭûr, Jetur, “enclosure,” akin to טוּר ṭûr, “a wall,” and טירה ṭı̂yrâh, “a wall.” נפישׁ nāpı̂ysh, Naphish, “breathing.” קדמה qēdemâh, Qedemah, “before, eastward.”
16. חצר chātsēr, “court, village, town.”
According to custom, before the history of the principal line is taken up, that of the collateral branch is briefly given. Thus, Cain’s history is closed before Sheth’s is commenced; Japheth and Ham are before Shem; Haran and Nahor before Abram. And so the sons of Keturah are first dismissed from the pages of history, and then Ishmael.
Gen 25:12
The present passage begins with the formula, “and these are the generations,” and forms the eighth document so commencing. The appearance of a document consisting of seven verses is clearly against the supposition that each of these documents is due to a different author. The phrase points to a change of subject, not of author.
Gen 25:13-16
Nebaioth - Isa 60:7 is preserved in the Nabataei inhabiting Arabia Petraea, and extending far toward the East. “Kedar” Isa 21:17 appears in the Cedrei of Pliny (H. N. 5, 12) who dwell east of Petraea. “Adbeel Mibsam,” and “Mishma are otherwise unknown. The last is connected with the Μαισαιμενεῖς Maisaimeneis of Ptol. (v. 7, 21). “Dumah” Isa 21:11 is probably Δούμεθα Doumetha (Ptol. vi. 19, 7) and Domata (Plin. H. N. 6, 32) and Dumat el-Jendel in Nejd and the Syrian desert. “Massa” may be preserved in the Μασανοὶ Masanoi of Ptolemy (v. 19, 2), northeast of Duma. “Hadar” is Hadad in 1Ch 1:30, the Samaritan Pentateuch, Onkelos, perhaps the Septuagint, and many codices. It is supposed to be Χαττηνία Chatteenia (Polyb.), Attene, and to lie between Oman and Bahrein. “Tema” Job 6:19; Isa 21:14; Jer 25:23 lay on the borders of Nejd and the Syrian desert. “Jetur” remains in Ituraea, Jedur, northeast of the sea of Galilee. Some suppose the Druses descended from him. “Naphish” 1Ch 6:19, 1Ch 6:22 lay in the same quarter. “Kedemah” is otherwise unknown. “In their towns and in their castles.” The former are unwalled collections of houses or perhaps tents; the latter, fortified keeps or encampments. “Twelve princes,” one for each tribe, descended from his twelve sons.
Gen 25:17-18
Ishmael dies at the age of a hundred and thirty-seven. “From Havilah,” on the borders of Arabia Petraea and Felix. “Unto Shur,” on the borders of Arabia and Egypt. This was the original seat of the Ishmaelites, from which they wandered far into Arabia. “In the presence of all his brethren” - the descendants of Abraham by Sarah and Keturah, those of Lot, and the Egyptians who were his brethren or near kindred by his mother and wife. “He had fallen” into the lot of his inheritance. Thus was fulfilled the prediction uttered before his birth Gen 16:12.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv16, 18 By their castles; or, the castles, towns, and tribes…
By their castles; or, the castles, towns, and tribes of principal note, received their names from these twelve princes, or phylarks, whose authority is still recognized among all the tribes of the Arabs. (Thevenot.) (Haydock) --- The towns of these people were easily built, and more easily destroyed; for they consisted only of tents, Jeremias xlix. 31. Their castles were perhaps only sheep-folds, as the original Tiroth may signify; or they were a sort of watch-towers, to prevent the sudden attack of an invading enemy, and to serve also for a retreat. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v18 DESCENDANTS OF ISHMAEL. Before passing to the line of…
DESCENDANTS OF ISHMAEL. Before passing to the line of the promised seed, the historian gives a brief notice of Ishmael, to show that the promises respecting that son of Abraham were fulfilled--first, in the greatness of his posterity (compare Gen 17:20); and, secondly, in their independence. (Gen 25:12-18)
he died--rather, "it [their lot] fell" in the presence of his brethren (compare Gen 16:12).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 16, 17, 18 Generations of Ishmael, Gen_25:12-18.
Generations of Ishmael, Gen_25:12-18.
12. These are the generations — This is the eighth section so beginning. “According to custom,” says Murphy, “before the history of the principal line is taken up, that of the collateral branch is briefly given. Thus Cain’s history is closed before Seth’s is commenced; Japheth and Ham are before Shem; Haran and Nahor before Abram. And so the sons of Keturah are first dismissed from the pages of history, and then Ishmael.”
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 15, 16, 17 12. Now these are the generations] Cf. Gen_5:1, Gen_6:9,…
12. Now these are the generations] Cf. Gen_5:1, Gen_6:9, Gen_10:1, Gen_11:10; Gen_11:27 (P).
12–18 (P). The Descendants of Ishmael
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The genealogy of Ishmael is thus disposed of, before the narrative resumes the history of the Chosen Family in the generations of Isaac (Gen_25:19). It is to be noticed that the sons of Ishmael are twelve in number, like the sons of Nahor (Gen_22:21-24) and of Jacob.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv12, 16, 18 (12) These are the generations of Ishmael.—Following the usual…
THE TÔLDÔTH ISHMAEL.
(12) These are the generations of Ishmael.—Following the usual rule of this book, Ishmael is not dismissed from the Divine presence without a short record of his history, after which he falls into the background, and the historian proceeds with his main subject, which is the preparation for the forming of that race and nation of whom, according to the flesh, Christ came. These brief notices, moreover, of personages not in the direct line of Christ’s ancestry have their value in God’s great purpose that the Jewish Messiah should be the Redeemer of the Gentiles also (Rom_10:12); and consequently from the first their history was not alien from God’s counsels. (Rom_10:13-15) The sons of Ishmael.—Of the Arabian tribes sprung from Ishmael we read of Nebajoth and Kedar in Isa_60:7 as pastoral tribes, rich in flocks. Dumah is deemed worthy of a special prophecy (Isa_21:11); while the people of Tema are described there in Gen_25:14 as generous and hospitable, and in Job_6:19 they appear as active traders. (See also Jer_25:23.) Jetur, Naphish, and other Hagarite tribes, were conquered by Reuben and his allies (1Ch_5:19), and Jetur became the Iturea of Luk_3:1. For the occasional references made to these and other sons of Ishmael in classical writers, the reader may consult Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, or similar works. The abode of the twelve tribes sprung from Ishmael was the northern part of Arabia, whence gradually they extended their influence, and apparently soon absorbed the Joktanites (Gen_10:26-30), themselves a kindred Semitic race. These genealogies would be inexplicable if we did not remember that successive waves of people occupied these lands, and that while the old names remained, the dominant race was new. So the rapid growth of individuals into tribes (as of Midian, Gen_25:2) was the result of races of higher civilisation and greater energy subduing feeble and less highly-developed tribes. Hence in Gen_25:16 the sons of Ishmael are called “princes.” We gather from this that Ishmael had gathered round him a body of men of the Semitic race, of whom large numbers were constantly on the move towards Egypt (Gen_12:15), and by their aid had established his rule in Paran, and handed it on to his sons.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv12–17 THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL. (Gen_25:12-18)
THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL. (Gen_25:12-18)
CHAPTER 25:12-18
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Now these are the generations of Ishmael, the opening of a new section, (cf. Gen_2:4) in which the fortunes of Abraham"s eldest son are briefly traced before proceeding with the main current of the history in the line of Isaac (cf. 1Ch_1:29-31) Abraham"s son, because of his relation to Abraham it was that Ishmael attained subsequent historical development and importance (vide Gen_21:13) whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah"s handmaid, bare unto Abraham. (vide Gen_16:1, Gen_16:15)
HOMILETICS.
Vers. 12-18.
The generations of Ishmael, or the biography of a prince.
I THE PRINCE"S NAME. Ishmael.
1. The significance of his name. "God hears." It was thus a perpetual reminder to its bearer of a grand religious truth, that God is essentially a hearer of prayer, and that he is never far from any of his intelligent and needy creatures.
2. The occasion of his getting it.
(1) Before his birth, because the Lord had heard the affliction of his mother.
(2) At his birth, because his father believed the report of Hagar concerning the instruction of the angel.
3. The verification of his name. When he lay beneath the shrub God heard the voice of his distressful cry. (Gen_21:17)
II THE PRINCE"S LINEAGE. Abraham"s son. That
(1) Proclaimed his dignity. Though not a prince in the Church, he was a prince in the world, being Abraham"s immediate descendant, Grace runs not in the blood, earthly rank does.
(2) Bespoke his privilege. Jehovah reckoned it a great thing for Ishmael that he was Abraham"s seed. To be the offspring of those who are exalted in earthly station is a special honor, though not so great an honor as to be descended from those who are eminent in grace.
(3) Implied his responsibility. Degrees of rank in society are of God"s ordaining, and involve the recipients thereof in corresponding obligations. (Luk_12:48)
III THE PRINCE"S FAMILY.
1. Princely in rank. This quality they received by birth, being Ishmael s sons.
1. Many in number. They were twelve princes, and as such they developed into large and flourishing tribes and nations. This characteristic was due to
2. grace, God having promised that kings and nations should spring from Hagar"s son.
3. Influential in power. The twelve princes mentioned were powerful chieftains of as many clans.
IV THE PRINCE"S DEATH.
1. The time. At 137 years. The days of all, even of princes, in this life are numbered.
2. The manner. "He expired." "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit" in the day of his death.
3. The result. "He was gathered unto his people," passing to the company of those who were like-minded with himself in the unseen world, as Abraham went to enjoy the society of those who were of kindred spirit with him.
V THE PRINCE"S DOMINIONS. "His lot was cast in the presence of all his brethren," i.e. his empire was
1. Outside of Canaan. He had no part or lot in the inheritance of Isaac. Neither have the world s princes as such any share in the heritage of heaven"s peers.
2. Among the tribes of earth. And so the worldly man"s portion is of the earth, earthy.
See
1. How comparatively unimportant the world"s biographies are in the judgment of the Spirit.
2. How the children of the wicked often outnumber the offspring of the pious.
3. How it is appointed unto all men once to die, though not to all to die alike.
4. How certain it is that the wicked and the good shall be separated after death, since at death both are gathered unto their respective peoples. 5. How clearly and minutely God fulfils the promises he makes to wicked men no less than to good.
THE GENERATIONS OF ISAAC. (Gen 25:19-35:29)
CHAPTER 25:19-26
And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham"s son. The usual formula for the opening of a new section (cf. Gen_2:4) Abraham begat Isaac. A reiteration in perfect harmony not only with the style of the present narrative, but of ancient historiography in general; in this instance specially designed to connect the subsequent streams of Isaac"s posterity with their original fountain-head in Abraham.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v12 These are the generations of Ishmael
Gen_25:12-18
These are the generations of Ishmael
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I.
The generations of Ishmael
I. THAT THOSE WHO ARE NOT APPOINTED TO THE MOST HONOURABLE PLACE ARE YET CARED FOR BY PROVIDENCE.
II. THAT PROVIDENCE AFFORDS ENCOURAGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPORT OF FAITH AND VIRTUE.
III. THAT THE FAITHFULNESS OF PROVIDENCE MAY BE PROVED ON DIFFERENT LINES. Past and present condition of
(1) Jews,
(2) Ishmaelites. (T. H. Leale.)
The genealogies of the wicked
1. The genealogies of the wicked, God sometimes recorded for His own glory and the sake of the Church (Gen_25:12).
2. God doth by name punctually perform His promise unto His servants, though it be concerning the wicked.
3. God doth vouchsafe a more abundant seed sometimes to the children of the flesh than to the children of the promise. Ishmael hath many sons, it is long till Isaac hath any.
4. Great dignities, commands, and powers below God doth cast upon bondmen in the Church (Gen_25:16). One drachm of grace is above monarchies.
5. A long age may betide an Ishmael, but not a good one.
6. A like death may seem to be both to the righteous and the wicked, but it is not so in truth.
7. The wicked in death are gathered to their people as well as the righteous unto theirs (Gen_25:17).
8. God giveth the lot of habitation, motion and cessation unto the worst of men on earth (Gen_25:18). (G. Hughes, B. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v12 Gen_25:12. These are the generations.] Forms the eighth document…
CRITICAL NOTES.—
Gen_25:12. These are the generations.] Forms the eighth document so commencing.—
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Gen_25:16. By their towns, and by their castles.] “The former are unwalled collections of houses or perhaps tents; the latter fortified keeps or encampments.” (Murphy.) Kalish renders the clause, “By their villages and by their tents.” The Arabs are divided into two classes, the wandering Bedouins, living in tents; and those who dwell in towns and villages.—
Gen_25:17. The years of the life of Ishmael; an hundred and thirty and seven years; and he gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered unto his people.] Ishmael’s death is here recorded by anticipation. It happened forty-eight years after Abraham’s death, and when Isaac was one hundred and twenty-three years old.—
Gen_25:18. He died in the presence of all his brethren.] Heb. He fell, or, it fell to him. The meaning seems to be, he had settled down, or, fallen into the lot of his inheritance, according to the prediction. (Gen_16:12.) He was unsubjugated by his brethren though dwelling beside them.—
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Gen_25:12-18
THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL
This history illustrates the following truths:—
I. That those who are not appointed to the most honourable place are yet cared for by Providence. Ishmael was rejected as heir to the birthright, yet God was providing great things for him in the future. A mighty nation ruled by princes was to spring from him. Their roving and military character, their persistence, in spite of enemies and perpetual wars, is an evidence of their wonderful vitality. The control and the favours of Providence were not confined to the chosen people. God’s dealings with the human race reveal the benevolent equity of Providence.
II. That Providence affords encouragements for the support of faith and virtue. The full accomplishment of the prophecies regarding Ishmael was not yet, for they stretched over long periods of time. But they were in course of being fulfilled. Events were opening up and pointing to the end indicated by prophecy. Already twelve princes, with their sovereignties, had sprung from Ishmael (Gen_25:16). According to the promise made to Hagar, Ishmael died in the presence of all his brethren (Ch. Gen_16:12). Thus the first steps were taken towards the fulfilment of those promises made to his mother to sustain her drooping spirits, and to his father to reconcile him to the casting out of his first-born son (Gen_16:10-12; Gen_21:18; Gen_17:20; Gen_21:13). God fulfils so much of His word as is necessary for the encouragement of his people. They have an earnest of their inheritance, and find that in keeping, as well as after keeping His commandments there is great reward.
III. That the faithfulness of Providence may be proved on different lines. We point to the past and present condition of the Jews as proofs of the truth of the Bible. We have a proof equally strong in the past and present condition of the descendants of Ishmael. The inextinguishable life of this people is a perpetual witness to the faithful word of God. These are converging lines, all pointing to the truth of Revelation.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen_25:12. The historian, having adverted to the blessing of God upon Isaac, here pauses before proceeding with the sequel of his history to show how exactly the promises made to Ishmael (Ch. Gen_17:20) were also fulfilled. His descendants, like those of Isaac, branched out into twelve tribes, and constituted the bulk of the population which spread over the Arabian peninsula.—(Bush.)
Gen_25:13-16. Twelve princes, princes of their tribes, as was promised (Gen_17:20). See here what God can do for a poor boy sent out with a bottle of water on his back. God “setteth the solitary in families” (Psa_68:6). “He raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set him among princes” (1Sa_2:8).—(Trapp.)
Gen_25:17. Ishmael lived an hundred and thirty-seven years. His death is here recorded by anticipation. It took place forty-eight years after Abraham’s death, and when Isaac was one hundred and twenty-three years old. We may suppose that Ishmael died in the faith of his father Abraham, according to the patriarch’s prayer for him.—(Jacobus.)
Gen_25:18. He had his dwelling and the territory of his descendants alongside of his brethren, and unsubjugated by them.—(Jacobus.)
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v12 1. Ishmael and his sons (Gen 25:12-16)
VIII. THE GENERATIONS OF ISHMAEL
1. Ishmael and his sons (Gen 25:12-16)
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2. The death of Ishmael (Gen 25:17-18)
In chapter 16:12 we find the prediction that Ishmael should dwell in the presence of his brethren. In Gen 25:18 we find the fulfilment. The names we find here may be traced in other Scriptures. For instance in Isaiah 60, the great chapter of the millennial kingdom, we have Nebajoth and Kedar mentioned (Isa 60:7). The number twelve, twelve princes, links Ishmael closely with Israel. When Israel is blest in the future and receives the promised Land for his glorious possession, the posterity of Ishmael will not be forgotten.
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v12 The Generations of Ishmael
The Generations of Ishmael
v. 12. Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar, the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham. We have here the final account of Ishmael and a short summary of his family’s history.
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v. 13. And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael by their names, according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
v. 14. and Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
v. 15. Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
v. 16. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names by their towns and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. As the Lord had promised Hagar, so it came to pass: twelve princes were begotten of her son Ishmael, twelve mighty sheiks of powerful tribes, the names of some of which were preserved for many centuries. Thus the descendants of Nebajoth and Kedar lived in Arabia Petraea, on the Peninsula of Sinai, and beyond, Isa 60:7, the Kadarenes afterward extending toward the east in the direction of Babylonia, Isa 42:11; Psa 120:5. The other Iahmaelitic tribes do not seem to have been so large and mighty, still there are references, also in Scripture, which place them into the great country on the east side of Jordan. Twelve princes they were in their tribes, governing and representing twelve tribes, with their permanent, walled camps, or cities, and their temporary encampments, with their fixed and movable habitations.
v. 17. And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years; and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. Although Ishmael, the son of the slave woman, is represented in Scriptures as a type of the fleshly, the Spirit of God finally gained and kept the ascendancy in him. He also died in the faith and was added to the number of those that trusted in the Messiah and His salvation.
v. 18. And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria; and he died in the presence of all his brethren. That was the extent of the Ishmaelites’ territory in later years, from the stream of Egypt on the southwest and Havilah in Arabia Deserta on the southeast to the Euphrates on the northeast. So Ishmael, in his descendants, fell upon, settled, took possession of, this country, in the presence of, next to his brethren, on the boundary of the Promised Land.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 13, 17 This word is used in English to introduce a…
Now
This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and information about Ishmael.
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translationWords
descend
Ishmael
Hagar
Egypt
servant
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 16, 18 25:12-18 This record lists Ishmael’s descendants before tracing Isaac’s…
25:12-18 This record lists Ishmael’s descendants before tracing Isaac’s (25:19–35:29), which is in keeping with the literary arrangement of Genesis (see Genesis Book Introduction, “Summary”).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.