The term "Israelites' brothers" refers to the various kinship groups and nations that are related to the Israelites through common ancestry. These relationships are primarily traced through the patriarchs of the Hebrew Bible, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understanding these familial connections is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of the Bible and the historical interactions between the Israelites and their neighboring peoples.

1. Ishmaelites:

The Ishmaelites are descendants of Ishmael, the first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant (Genesis 16:15). Ishmael is considered the half-brother of Isaac, the child of promise born to Abraham and Sarah. The Ishmaelites are often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. In Genesis 25:12-18, the genealogy of Ishmael is detailed, listing his twelve sons who became tribal leaders. The Ishmaelites are mentioned in the context of Joseph's account, as it was a caravan of Ishmaelites that transported Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:25-28).

2. Edomites:

The Edomites are descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob (Israel). Esau is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, making the Edomites closely related to the Israelites. The tension between Jacob and Esau, which began in the womb (Genesis 25:22-23), continued through their descendants. The Edomites settled in the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea. The Bible records numerous conflicts between Israel and Edom, including during the reigns of Saul, David, and the later kings of Judah (1 Samuel 14:47, 2 Samuel 8:13-14, 2 Kings 8:20-22). Despite these conflicts, the Israelites were commanded not to abhor the Edomites, "for they are your brothers" (Deuteronomy 23:7).

3. Moabites and Ammonites:

The Moabites and Ammonites are descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's daughters bore him two sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, who became the progenitors of the Moabites and Ammonites, respectively (Genesis 19:36-38). These nations inhabited the region east of the Jordan River. The Israelites had complex relationships with both groups, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation. The Moabites are notably mentioned in the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became an ancestor of King David (Ruth 1:4, 4:13-22). The Israelites were instructed not to harass the Moabites or Ammonites, as they were related through Lot (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19).

4. Midianites:

The Midianites are descendants of Midian, one of the sons of Abraham by Keturah, whom he married after Sarah's death (Genesis 25:1-2). The Midianites were a nomadic people who lived in the region east of the Sinai Peninsula. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (also called Reuel), was a priest of Midian, indicating a familial connection between Moses and the Midianites (Exodus 2:15-21). Despite this connection, the Midianites later became adversaries of Israel, particularly during the time of the judges (Judges 6:1-6).

5. Amalekites:

The Amalekites are traditionally considered descendants of Esau through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). They are one of the earliest and most persistent adversaries of the Israelites. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites shortly after the Exodus, leading to a significant battle at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded Israel to remember this enmity and to eventually blot out the memory of Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

These kinship groups and nations, while related to the Israelites, often played roles as both allies and adversaries throughout biblical history. Their interactions with Israel are woven into the larger narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His chosen people.