Ishmaelites
Summary
The descendants of Ishmael, son of Abraham, who became a confederation of Arabian tribes known for trading and nomadic life.
☩Origin and Identity
The Ishmaelites descended from Abraham's son Ishmael through his twelve sons, who became princes of their respective tribes. They settled in the region from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt toward Assyria. The term 'Ishmaelites' sometimes appears interchangeably with 'Midianites,' suggesting close association between these nomadic peoples.
☩As Traders
The Ishmaelites are first encountered in Scripture as a trading caravan traveling from Gilead to Egypt carrying spices, balm, and myrrh. It was to such traders that Joseph's brothers sold him for twenty pieces of silver. Their commercial activity linked the trade routes between Arabia, Canaan, and Egypt, making them important merchants in the ancient Near East.
☩Later History
The Ishmaelites continued to exist as a distinct people through biblical history. They are mentioned among those who confederated against Israel in Psalm 83. Jether, Amasa's father, is called both an Ishmaelite and an Israelite in different passages, suggesting some intermarriage and assimilation occurred.
