12 This is the account of the family of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant. 13 Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped.

17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 18 Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives.

Genesis 25:12-18 (NLT)

Remember the setting?

God promised descendents to Abram like the stars of the sky (Genesis 15:1-6). Abram was getting advanced in years and Sarai, his wife, was barren. Out of desperation (and a lapse in faith) Sarai told Abram to have a child with her Egyptian servant, Hagar. And Abram, echoing that lapse of faith, agreed. Hagar got pregnant and started to tease Sarai (Genesis 16:1-6). Sarai had her kicked out of the house. God met Hagar and encouraged her and sent her back to Sarai with a promise to bless her offspring. “He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” (Genesis 16:7-12).

Later, by God’s promise, Isaac was born. After a few years, Ishmael mocked Isaac and again, Sarah had them both kicked out of the house (Genesis 21:8-14). God met them and provided for them and reconfirmed the blessing. They didn’t return to the household. Ishmael “lived in the wilderness and became an archer. (Gen 21:20)”

Ishmael’s descendents

Ishmael, as God promised, had sons – twelve of them. Just like Isaac’s son, Jacob, will have twelve sons. These became the Arabs of today, most of whom are Muslim. “[I]t is important to remember that not all Arabs hate Jews, not all Muslims hate Jews, and not all Jews hate Arabs and Muslims.” (gotquestions.org) But there is certainly ongoing animosity between the two. God’s prediction that Isamael would “dwell against his kinsman” was (and is) fulfilled: “they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives (v18).”

RЯeflection

• This is just one of many, many prophecies about people and situations in the Old Testament that have already been fulfilled – either in the OT or the NT. Many more are yet to be fulfilled – when Christ returns in power and glory.