Genesis 25:12-18 lists the names of the sons of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bore unto him. Ishmael had twelve sons, Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah, who were princess with nations (Genesis 12:16). Ishmael lived 137 years, and died in the presence of his brethren. While this account may seem as a listing of the names of the sons of Ishmael, it is important to note two phrases in these verses – phrase one, ‘twelve princes according to their nations’ and phrase two ‘in the presence of all his brethren’, because both these are a direct fulfillment of God’s prophesy to Abraham about Ishmael (Genesis 17:20 & Genesis 16:12).

Points to ponder:
God’s prophesy will always come true – to the letter – and that is something we can count on.

Genesis 25:12-18 (KJV)
12 Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
13 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
14 And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,
15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 17:20 (KJV)
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Genesis 16:12 (KJV)
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.