Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. HadadHadad is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, often associated with Edomite kings. In this context, Hadad is one of the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. The name Hadad is also linked to a storm and fertility god worshiped in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly among the Arameans and Canaanites. This connection suggests the influence of surrounding cultures on the Ishmaelites. The mention of Hadad here highlights the spread and influence of Ishmael's descendants, who became prominent tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. Tema
Tema is both a person and a place in biblical texts. As a son of Ishmael, Tema represents one of the tribes that settled in the Arabian desert. The region of Tema is mentioned in Job 6:19 and Isaiah 21:14, indicating its significance as a caravan stop and a center of trade. The people of Tema were known for their wisdom, as suggested in Jeremiah 25:23. This highlights the cultural and economic interactions between the Ishmaelites and other ancient civilizations. Jetur
Jetur is another son of Ishmael, and his descendants are associated with the Itureans, a group that settled in the region of Iturea, located in the northern part of modern-day Israel and southern Lebanon. The Itureans were known for their skills in archery and were often employed as mercenaries. This connection is seen in 1 Chronicles 5:19, where the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh fought against the Hagarites, including Jetur. The mention of Jetur underscores the martial prowess and influence of Ishmael's descendants. Naphish
Naphish is listed as one of the sons of Ishmael, and his descendants are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:19 as part of the Hagarite tribes. The name Naphish may be related to the Hebrew word for "refresh" or "revive," suggesting a possible role in providing resources or support in the desert environment. The inclusion of Naphish in the genealogical record emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Kedemah
Kedemah, the last son of Ishmael mentioned in this passage, is associated with the eastern regions, as the name itself means "eastward" or "ancient." This reflects the geographical spread of Ishmael's descendants toward the east, aligning with the biblical narrative of their settlement in the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Kedemah signifies the broad territorial expansion and the establishment of distinct tribes from Ishmael, fulfilling the prophecy of Genesis 16:12 that Ishmael's descendants would live in opposition to their relatives. Persons / Places / Events 1. HadarOne of the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. His name means "honor" or "splendor" in Hebrew. 2. TemaAnother son of Ishmael. The name is also associated with a region in Arabia, indicating a possible settlement or tribe that descended from him. 3. JeturA son of Ishmael whose descendants are believed to have formed a nomadic tribe. His name means "enclosure" or "encampment." 4. NaphishOne of Ishmael's sons, whose name means "refreshed" or "breathing." His descendants are thought to have been part of the nomadic tribes in the region. 5. KedemahThe last son of Ishmael listed in this verse. His name means "eastward" or "ancient," possibly indicating the direction or the antiquity of his lineage. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite Ishmael not being the child of promise, God remained faithful to His word to Hagar, ensuring that Ishmael's descendants became a great nation. This teaches us about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. The Importance of Names and HeritageThe names of Ishmael's sons carry meanings that reflect their identity and destiny. Understanding the significance of names in the Bible can deepen our appreciation for God's intentionality in His plans. The Role of Ishmael's Descendants in Biblical HistoryWhile often overshadowed by Isaac's lineage, Ishmael's descendants played a significant role in the history of the region. Recognizing their place in God's plan can broaden our understanding of biblical history and God's sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the listing of Ishmael's sons in Genesis 25:15 reflect God's promise to Hagar in Genesis 16:10-12? 2. What can we learn about God's character from His dealings with Ishmael and his descendants? 3. How do the meanings of the names of Ishmael's sons provide insight into their roles or destinies? 4. In what ways do the descendants of Ishmael influence the broader account of the Old Testament? 5. How can understanding the heritage and lineage of biblical figures like Ishmael enhance our study of the Bible and its teachings on God's faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16:10-12This passage provides the background of Ishmael's birth and God's promise to Hagar about Ishmael's descendants becoming a great nation. It sets the stage for understanding the significance of Ishmael's sons. 1 Chronicles 1:29-31This passage lists the descendants of Ishmael, confirming the names and providing a genealogical connection to the tribes that emerged from them. Isaiah 21:13-17This prophecy mentions the region of Tema, indicating its significance and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding Ishmael's descendants. People Abraham, Abida, Abidah, Adbeel, Aram, Asshurim, Asshurites, Bethuel, Dedan, Dumah, Eldaah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Ephron, Esau, Hadad, Hadar, Hagar, Hanoch, Havilah, Heth, Hittites, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Jacob, Jetur, Jokshan, Kedar, Kedemah, Keturah, Laban, Letushim, Letushites, Leummim, Leummites, Mamre, Massa, Medan, Mibsam, Mishma, Naphish, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah, Sarah, Shuah, Tema, Zimran, Zoar, ZoharPlaces Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur DesertTopics Hadad, Hadar, Jetur, Kedem, Kedemah, Ked'emah, Kedmah, Naphish, TemaDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 25:12-18 5078 Abraham, significance Library Pottage Versus Birthright
Esau despised his birthright'--GENESIS xxv. 34. Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. Deal with the narrative. Not to tell it over again, but bring out the following points:-- (a) Birthright.--What? None of them any notion of sacred, spiritual aspect of it. To all, merely material advantages: headship of the clan. All the loftier aspects gone from Isaac, who thought he could give it for venison, from Esau, and from …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jacob and Esau
(Second Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxv. 29-34. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian? …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 25:15 NIVGenesis 25:15 NLTGenesis 25:15 ESVGenesis 25:15 NASBGenesis 25:15 KJV
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