Ishmael (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ishmael (1) in the Bible?
Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, born when Abraham was 86 years old. He was circumcised at the age of 13 and later banished from his family due to Sarah's jealousy.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ishmael clarifies the narrative tension between the line of promise through Isaac and the lineage of the elder son, providing essential context for the ancestral roots of the Ishmaelites and the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ishmael (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ishmael (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ishmael (1) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ishmael (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ishmael-1/