“These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes.”
Genesis 25:16
BSBGo deeper on this verse (3)
- Ishmael's Twelve Sons and the Promises God Kept (Genesis 25:12–18)
Why does Genesis call Ishmael's sons princes?
Because God promised it here. Genesis 25:16 calls Ishmael's twelve sons princes, nasi (H5387), from nasa, to lift up: one raised over a people. It is the Hebrew word behind "rulers" in this verse, and the title Israel used for the heads of its own twelve tribes.
Read the whole studyConnection with God's promise for Ishmael
When Abraham pleaded, "O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!" (Genesis 17:18), God blessed Ishmael freely and promised twelve rulers, each a nasi (H5387), a lifted-up one. Eight chapters later they appear by name, as "twelve princes of their tribes."
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How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Engage with Genesis 25:16 in a fresh way
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