Ishmael in the Old Testament: Wives, Children, and Prophecies

As a historical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, Ishmael is often overshadowed by his more prominent brother, Isaac. However, he plays a significant role in the narratives surrounding Abraham and the early development of various tribes and religions. Let's delve into the details of Ishmael's story as presented in the Old Testament, focusing on his wives, children, and the prophecies attached to him.

Wives and Children of Ishmael

According to the Old Testament, Ishmael had one wife and one son. His story begins with his mother, Hagar, an Egyptian woman who was given to Abraham as a servant. When Sarah, Abraham's wife, could not conceive, she suggested that Hagar bear a child for Abraham. Hagar became pregnant, and this event led to tension between her and Sarah.

The Old Testament narrative in Genesis 16 provides a detailed account of Ishmael's birth and early life. The relevant verses are:

“Then the angel of the Lord told her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her.'” - Genesis 16:8

“I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” - Genesis 16:10

“You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.” - Genesis 16:11

“He will be a wild donkey of a man, his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” - Genesis 16:12

“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’ That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi it is still there between Kadesh and Bered.” - Genesis 16:13-14

The last verse mentions how Ishmael, as a child, was named after the well where his mother and his descendant Hagar found water, and it signifies the phrase 'the well of the one who lives by the sight of God.'

After being sent away from Abraham and Sarah due to the tension between Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael found a wife in Egypt. The text does not explicitly mention his wife's name but does note that he had a son, making him the father of the Arab people, one of the most significant tribes in the world's history.

Prophecy and Islam

The prophecies accompanying Ishmael in the Old Testament are intriguing and have parallels in Islamic teachings. Subsequent to these verses, the Islamic belief follows the narrative quite closely, as narrated in the Quran. For example, the prophecy about Ishmael's descendants being numerous aligns with the idea of the Arab nation growing through time.

According to the text in Genesis 16, Ishmael is described as a "wild donkey of a man, his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." This description is often taken as a prophecy by Islamic scholars, pointing towards the character and historical conduct of Arab tribes.

Conclusion: Ishmael and the Legacy

The Old Testament narrative of Ishmael highlights an intriguing case where historical and religious accounts intertwine. While contemporary debates exist regarding the historicity of Abraham as a real person, there can be no denying the influence of Ishmael and his descendants on the development of the world as we know it today.

Regardless of differing beliefs regarding the authenticity of these stories, the character of Ishmael continues to hold significance in various religious and cultural narratives, contributing to a rich tapestry of human history and religious teachings.