The term "Hebrew" is often associated with the Israelites, descendants of Isaac and Jacob, who play a central role in the biblical narrative. But what about the Ishmaelites, the descendants of Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham? Can they also be considered Hebrews according to the Bible? The answer lies in understanding the origins of the term "Hebrew" and the family connections between Ishmael and the forefathers of the Hebrew people.
Who Are the Hebrews in the Bible?
The word "Hebrew" (ʿIvri in Hebrew) is used in the Bible to describe the descendants of Eber, a great-grandson of Noah. According to the genealogies in Genesis, Eber is an ancestor of Abraham, who is widely regarded as the patriarch of both the Israelites and the broader Hebrew identity (Genesis 10:21-25).
The title "Hebrew" first appears in the Bible in reference to Abraham in Genesis 14:13:
"Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram."
This verse indicates that Abraham himself was known as a Hebrew, linking him directly to the descendants of Eber and establishing the foundation for the Hebrew people. But the question remains: if Abraham is a Hebrew, do all of his descendants also fall under that title, including Ishmael?
Abraham's Family and the Birth of Ishmael
To understand the connection between the Ishmaelites and the Hebrew identity, we need to look closely at Abraham’s family. Abraham had two significant sons:
- Ishmael, born to Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant (Genesis 16:1-4).
- Isaac, born later to Sarah, Abraham’s wife (Genesis 21:1-3).
Ishmael, as Abraham’s firstborn, holds a significant place in the biblical story. Although Ishmael did not receive the same covenantal promise as Isaac, he is still a direct descendant of Abraham. Since Abraham is a Hebrew, it logically follows that Ishmael, his son, would also be considered a Hebrew by lineage.
The Ishmaelites: Hebrews by Lineage?
Even though the Bible later distinguishes between the Israelites (descendants of Isaac and Jacob) and the Ishmaelites (descendants of Ishmael), the broader title of "Hebrew" can still apply to both groups due to their shared ancestor, Abraham.
The Ishmaelites are described in Genesis 25:12-16, where the Bible lists Ishmael’s 12 sons, each of whom became the leader of a tribe:
"These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps."
While these tribes became distinct from the Israelites, their connection to Abraham remains strong, making the Ishmaelites part of the broader Hebrew family tree. Ishmael, as the son of Abraham the Hebrew, naturally shares in that Hebrew identity.
What About the Covenant?
One critical distinction, however, lies in the biblical covenant. God made a specific covenant with Abraham and his descendants, which was passed down through Isaac and then to Jacob (later called Israel), forming the nation of Israel (Genesis 17:19-21). Ishmael was blessed by God, but the Bible makes it clear that the covenant promise was given to Isaac:
"But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year." (Genesis 17:21)
Although the Ishmaelites did not receive the covenant that was reserved for Isaac’s line, this does not negate their place as Abraham’s descendants and, by extension, as Hebrews. Ishmael was still blessed by God and promised to be the father of a great nation (Genesis 17:20).
Conclusion: Are the Ishmaelites Hebrews?
Biblically speaking, the Ishmaelites can indeed be considered Hebrews due to their direct descent from Abraham, who is identified as a Hebrew in the Bible. Though the term "Hebrew" became more closely associated with the Israelites over time, the broader biblical genealogy allows for the inclusion of Ishmael and his descendants in the Hebrew family.
While the Ishmaelites did not inherit the covenantal promises that were passed down through Isaac and the Israelites, they are nonetheless part of the same patriarchal lineage that begins with Eber, leading through Abraham. Therefore, the Ishmaelites, as descendants of Abraham the Hebrew, rightly share in the Hebrew identity, even as they form a distinct and separate nation.
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