070 – Who Were the Ishmaelites?

70. Who Were the Ishmaelites?

They were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, and were divided into twelve tribes (Gen_25:16; Gen_16:15-16). They were also called Hagarites, Hagarenes and Arabians (1Ch_5:10; Psa_83:6; Isa_13:20). They were governed by kings, were rich in cattle and dwelt in tents (Jer_25:24; Isa_13:1-22; Isa_14:1-32; Isa_15:1-9; Isa_16:1-14; Isa_17:1-14; Isa_18:1-7; Isa_19:1-25; Isa_20:1-6; 1Ch_5:21). Though they were the merchants of the East and traveled around in large caravans (Gen_37:25; Job_6:19), they were frequently lawless and would waylay and plunder travelers (Jer_3:2). After harassing Israel, they were overcome by Gideon (Jdg_8:10-24; 2Ch_5:10; 2Ch_26:1-23; 2Ch_25:1-28; 2Ch_24:1-27; 2Ch_23:1-21; 2Ch_22:1-12; 2Ch_21:1-20; 2Ch_20:1-37; 2Ch_19:1-11; 2Ch_18:1-34; 2Ch_17:1-19; 2Ch_16:1-14; 2Ch_15:1-19; 2Ch_14:1-15; 2Ch_13:1-22; 2Ch_12:1-16; 2Ch_11:1-23; 2Ch_10:1-19; 2Ch_9:1-31; 2Ch_8:1-18; 2Ch_7:1-22). It would seem that later they became more peacefully inclined, as they sent presents to Kings Solomon and Jehosha-phat (1Ki_10:15; 2Ch_17:11).

Source: 555 Difficult Bible Questions Answered