- Who Were the Ishmaelites?

70. Who Were the Ishmaelites?
They were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, and were divided into twelve tribes (Genesis 25:16; Genesis 16:15-16). They were also called Hagarites, Hagarenes and Arabians (1 Chronicles 5:10; Psalms 83:6; Isaiah 13:20). They were governed by kings, were rich in cattle and dwelt in tents (Jeremiah 25:24; Isaiah 13:1-22; Isaiah 14:1-32; Isaiah 15:1-9; Isaiah 16:1-14; Isaiah 17:1-14; Isaiah 18:1-7; Isaiah 19:1-25; Isaiah 20:1-6; 1 Chronicles 5:21). Though they were the merchants of the East and traveled around in large caravans (Genesis 37:25; Job 6:19), they were frequently lawless and would waylay and plunder travelers (Jeremiah 3:2). After harassing Israel, they were overcome by Gideon (Judges 8:10-24; 2 Chronicles 5:10; 2 Chronicles 26:1-23; 2 Chronicles 25:1-28; 2 Chronicles 24:1-27; 2 Chronicles 23:1-21; 2 Chronicles 22:1-12; 2 Chronicles 21:1-20; 2 Chronicles 20:1-37; 2 Chronicles 19:1-11; 2 Chronicles 18:1-34; 2 Chronicles 17:1-19; 2 Chronicles 16:1-14; 2 Chronicles 15:1-19; 2 Chronicles 14:1-15; 2 Chronicles 13:1-22; 2 Chronicles 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 11:1-23; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 2 Chronicles 9:1-31; 2 Chronicles 8:1-18; 2 Chronicles 7:1-22). It would seem that later they became more peacefully inclined, as they sent presents to Kings Solomon and Jehosha-phat (1 Kings 10:15; 2 Chronicles 17:11).