As an expert in biblical studies, I can provide you with an in-depth look at the Ishmaelites as they are portrayed in the Bible. The Ishmaelites are a significant group within the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, and their story is intertwined with the foundational figures of the Abrahamic religions.
Ishmaelites, according to the Book of Genesis, are the descendants of Ishmael, who is the elder son of Abraham and Hagar, the handmaiden of Sarah. The story of Ishmael's birth is one of the pivotal narratives in the development of the Abrahamic covenant. Sarah, being barren, gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife, and from this union, Ishmael was born. However, God later promised Abraham a son by Sarah, which resulted in the birth of Isaac. The tension between the two half-brothers is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.
The Ishmaelites are often depicted as traders and merchants, which is consistent with the biblical account where they are described as a group that dealt in the merchandise of spices and other goods. They were known to travel through the wilderness of Beersheba, which is where the story of Isaac's near-sacrifice by Abraham takes place. The Ishmaelites are also mentioned in the context of the sale of Joseph into slavery. Joseph's brothers, out of jealousy, sold him to a group of Ishmaelite traders who were on their way to Egypt, which sets the stage for the later story of Joseph's rise to power in the Pharaoh's court.
In the Quran, the story of Ishmael and his descendants is also significant.
Ishmael is considered a prophet and a forebear of the Arab people. The Quranic account of Ishmael emphasizes his role alongside his brother Isaac and their father Abraham in establishing the Kaaba, which is a central religious site in Islam. The Ishmaelites in Islamic tradition are seen as part of the larger family of Abrahamic prophets and are granted a special favor by God, as mentioned in the Quranic verse that states, "God has gifted all of Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah and Lot a favour above the nations."
The Ishmaelites, as depicted in the biblical narrative, are a complex group with a rich history that reflects the broader themes of family, faith, and the divine promise. Their story is one of both conflict and reconciliation, and it serves as a reminder of the intricate web of relationships that underpin the religious and cultural traditions of the Middle East.
Now, let's move on to the translation of the above information into Chinese.

read more >>

IshmaelitesAccording to the Book of Genesis, Ishmaelites (Arabic: Bani Isma'il, Hebrew: Bnai Yishma'el) are the descendants of Ishmael, the elder son of Abraham and the descendants of the twelve sons and princes of Ishmael.In the Quran; "God has gifted all of Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah and Lot a favour above the nations".More items...read more >>