The 8th Sub-book of Genesis
The 8th sub-book of Genesis is a rather small one and covers the remaining story of Ishmael whom settled in the land of Arabia thus yielding the title of Arabians.. It is merely six verses long and there are only a couple things to note.
The continuation of Ishmael from Abraham provides insight into the fact that Abraham is not only well revered in the Christian and Jewish community but he was also the father of what is known today as the Arab world. Following the genealogy of Ishmael, and as God had proclaimed (Genesis 17:20), Ishmael had twelve sons who were princes according to their tribes. This is yet another instance which reiterates how reliable God’s word is.
Lastly, Genesis 25:18 states that the descendants of Ishmael “… settled over against all his kinsmen.” This verse shows us that there was a clear rivalry between Isaac and Ishmael that we can see has persisted over many millennia and throughout many generations. This rivalry is still evident today (as Natalie pointed out in a comment on the last post) throughout the present day Middle East where we see the persistent fighting between Jews and Arabs.
Though short and to the point, this sub-book of Genesis has some profound indications of how one simple disobedient act (Abraham violating God’s commandment of one man and one woman becoming one flesh, as well as his disbelief/lack of trust in God’s promise to him) has impacted every generation since. I see a very clear similarity between the strife and discontent that existed between the descendants of Cain and the descendants of Seth (that lead to the wickedness of the world and ultimately it’s destruction by God through the flood) and the progression of wickedness that exists today (initiated by the rivalry between Isaac and Ishmael). I believe it is clear in Genesis 25:11, as well as supporting information in subsequent books of the Bible, that Isaac (and his descendants) are the chosen lineage of God. It is through this lineage that Jesus is born (by the work of the Holy Spirit) and through God’s work in this lineage that leads ultimately to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This work, enacted by God and performed by His faithful servants, leads to our salvation and the gift of grace for those who are called by God and choose to receive Him.