Genesis 25:17
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.
And these are the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of Ishmael {H3458}, an hundred {H3967}{H8141} and thirty {H7970}{H8141} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}: and he gave up the ghost {H1478} and died {H4191}; and was gathered {H622} unto his people {H5971}.
This is how long Yishma'el lived: 137 years. Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people.
Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.
And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered unto his people.
Cross-References
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Genesis 15:15 (3 votes)
And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. -
Genesis 25:7 (3 votes)
And these [are] the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. -
Genesis 25:8 (3 votes)
Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people.
Commentary
Context
Genesis 25:17 marks the conclusion of Ishmael's life narrative within the patriarchal history of the Old Testament. Ishmael was the firstborn son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's handmaid, as a result of Abraham and Sarah's attempt to fulfill God's promise of an heir through human means, before the miraculous birth of Isaac. Despite not being the covenant heir through whom the lineage of Christ would come, Ishmael was nevertheless a recipient of God's blessing. The Lord promised Abraham that Ishmael would be fruitful and multiply, becoming the father of twelve princes and a great nation (Genesis 17:20; Genesis 21:13). This verse, appearing shortly after the account of Abraham's own death, confirms Ishmael's longevity and the fulfillment of God's word concerning him.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "gave up the ghost and died" is a common Hebrew idiom, expressing the act of expiring or breathing one's last. The Hebrew verb for "gave up the ghost" is gava' (ืึธึผืึทืข), meaning to expire, perish, or die. It emphasizes the cessation of life. The subsequent "and died" reinforces the finality of the event.
The phrase "was gathered unto his people" translates the Hebrew ne'esaf el-'ammav (ื ึถืึฑืกึทืฃ ืึถืึพืขึทืึธึผืื). This expression is significant because it is used for individuals who die a natural, peaceful death, often in old age. It suggests a joining with previous generations, perhaps in a common burial place or in the collective realm of the dead, rather than a violent or untimely end. It implies a sense of rest and being reunited with one's kin in death.
Practical Application
The account of Ishmael's death reminds us of the universal reality of mortality and the importance of reflecting on the brevity of life. Despite the complexities and challenges in Ishmael's life, God's promises to him were faithfully kept. This offers comfort and reassurance that God is true to His word, even in unexpected ways and to those outside the immediate covenant line. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "gathered unto his people" can offer a gentle perspective on death, portraying it not as an abrupt end but as a transition into a state of rest and reunion with those who have gone before, providing a sense of peace and continuity for believers.
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