Question:
Answer:
As noted twice in Genesis, Ishmael’s descendants are to become a great nation:
As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20).
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation (Genesis 21:18).
The initial 12 descendants of Ishmael are noted in Genesis 25:12-18.
The great nation of Ishmael includes various peoples of the Middle East and North Africa, including some of Arabic descent. The term “great nation” is understood first and foremost in terms of a multitude of descendants.
It is often thought today that the Arab people are simply descended from Ishmael. However, for example, there are descendants of various others who populate the Arabian Peninsula, including those of Joktan (Gen. 10:26-29), a descendent of Shem. (The term “Semite” derives from Shem, who himself is a son of Noah and forefather of Abraham.) Joktan’s descendants settled in Mesha (Gen. 10:30), an ancient locale in Arabia. Abraham’s sons through Keturah (Gen. 25:1-4) also settled in this area, as well as the sons of Esau (Gen. 36:1-19), who are descendants of Abraham through their forefather Isaac, the son of Abraham.