The Descendants of Ishmael

Ishmael’s account begins with his birth through Hagar, and his twelve sons are named in order. They become tribal princes, settled in villages and encampments.

T¹²his is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. ¹³These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, ¹⁴Mishma, Dumah, Massa, ¹⁵Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. ¹⁶These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments — twelve princes of their tribes.

Ishmael dies at 137 years and is gathered to his people. His descendants settle across a broad region and live in hostility toward their brothers.

¹⁷Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. ¹⁸Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.