What does Genesis 25:14 mean?
ESV: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
NIV: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
NASB: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
CSB: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
NLT: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
KJV: And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
NKJV: Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
Verse Commentary:
The twelve sons of Ishmael, named in order of birth, are given in Genesis 25:13–15. God had promised Ishmael's mother, Hagar, that Ishmael would father "twelve princes." The prediction suggested that each would become the head of his own clan or tribe (Genesis 17:20). As expected, people groups carrying the names of Ishmael's descendants would become influential; in the Middle East and in Israel's history.
This verse continues the list with Mishma, Dumah, and Massa. The descendants of Dumah are apparently referenced in an oracle in Isaiah 21:11–12.
Verse Context:
Genesis 25:1–18 adds details before describing the deaths of Abraham and then Ishmael. Abraham has taken another wife, other than Sarah, and has six sons with her. He gives them gifts but sends them all away to the east. Isaac will be his sole true heir. Still, when Abraham dies and is buried at the age of 175, Ishmael joins Isaac for the funeral. Ishmael's 12 sons are listed, along with a description of the region their tribes settled in. Finally, Ishmael dies, as well, at the age of 137.
Chapter Summary:
Genesis 25 is packed with information. Abraham marries another wife, most likely before Sarah died, and has six sons with her. Abraham dies at the age of 175 and is buried by both Isaac and Ishmael at the family-owned cave where Sarah was buried. Ishmael's 12 sons are listed, along with the region their tribes settled in, to the east of what would later become Israel. And, finally, God grants Isaac's prayer for Rebekah to become pregnant by giving the couple twins: the feuding Jacob and Esau.
Chapter Context:
The previous chapter tells the story of how Abraham's servant found a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's people. This chapter rushes to fill in the details of the end of Abraham's life before beginning the story of Isaac's years as patriarch. Abraham marries another woman and has six sons with her, eventually sending them all away from Isaac. Abraham dies and is buried with Sarah. Ishmael's 12 sons are listed, and then his death is recorded, as well. Finally, Isaac's twin boys are born in response to his prayer to the Lord.
Book Summary:
The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.
Accessed 5/19/2024 1:14:58 PM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
