Pertanyaan: 70. Siapa yang menjadi Ishmaelites?
Mereka adalah keturunan Ismael, anak Abraham, dan terbagi menjadi dua belas suku (Kej. 25:16; Kej. 16:15,16). Mereka juga disebut Hagarit, Hagaren, dan Arab (1 Taw. 5:10; Mazm. 83:6; Yes. 13:20). Mereka diperintah oleh raja, kaya akan ternak, dan tinggal di kemah (Yer. 25:24; Yes. 13:20; 1 Taw. 5:21). Meskipun mereka adalah pedagang dari Timur dan melakukan perjalanan dengan kafilah besar (Kej. 37:25; Ayub 6:19), mereka sering kali melanggar hukum dan menyerang serta merampok para pelancong (Yer. 3:2). Setelah mengganggu Israel, mereka dikalahkan oleh Gideon (Hak. 8:10-24; 2 Taw. 5:10; 2 Taw. 26:7). Sepertinya kemudian mereka menjadi lebih cenderung damai, karena mereka mengirimkan hadiah kepada Raja Salomo dan Yosafat (1 Raja 10:15; 2 Taw. 17:11).
Question: 70. Who Were the Ishmaelites?
They were descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, and were divided into twelve tribes (Gen. 25:16; Gen. 16:15,16). They were also called Hagarites, Hagarenes and Arabians (I Chron. 5:10; Psa. 83:6; Isa. 13:20). They were governed by kings, were rich in cattle and dwelt in tents (Jer. 25:24; Isa. 13:20; I Chron. 5:21). Though they were the merchants of the East and traveled around in large caravans (Gen. 37:25; Job 6:19), they were frequently lawless and would waylay and plunder travelers (Jer. 3:2). After harassing Israel, they were overcome by Gideon (Judg. 8:10-24; II Chron. 5:10; II Chron. 26:7). It would seem that later they became more peacefully inclined, as they sent presents to Kings Solomon and Jehosha-phat (I Kin. 10:15; II Chron. 17:11).
