In my recent Bible study session, I realized that, like many other believers, I had often confused the Ishmaelites with the Midianites. However, I brought up this question to my fellow group members, and we collectively decided to conduct thorough research and delve deeper into the topic. It was such an eye-opener as many members seemed conversant with these differencs. Today, I am excited to share the insights we gained from our session, which was titled “Ishmaelites vs. Midianites.”
The Ishmaelites and the Midianites differ in terms of their ancestry, geographic locations, and roles in biblical narratives. The Ishmaelites descended from Ishmael, Abraham and Hagar’s son, and were involved in the story of Joseph. Conversely, the Midianites descended from Midian, another son of Abraham but with Keturah. The Midianites resided in the land of Midian and were known for their opposition to the Israelites.
In this post, I invite you to join me as we deep-dive into this discussion and learn the differences between Ishmaelites and Midianites. Read on to uncover their similarities and who purchased Joseph between the two.
Ishmaelites vs. Midianites: Difference in the definition
The Ishmaelites came from Abraham and Hagar’s son, Ishmael, as recorded in Genesis 16:1-4. Ishmael became the father of twelve sons, and they eventually formed the Ishmaelite tribes, as seen in Genesis 25:12-18. Conversely, the Midianites came from Abraham and Keturah’s son, Midian, as recorded in Genesis 25:1-2. Midian had multiple sons, and they became the ancestors of the Midianite people, who primarily resided in a region known as Midian, believed to be located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, close to Mount Sinai.
What’s the Difference between Ishmaelites and Midianites?
One of the differences between Ishmaelites and Midianites is their lineage and origins. As seen earlier, Ishmaelites trace their lineage back to Ishmael, the son of Abraham, and Hagar, Sarah’s handmaiden. The Midianites descend from Midian, one of Abraham’s sons with Keturah, whom he married after Sarah’s death.
Another difference is their geographical location. The Ishmaelites settled in the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt, as seen in Genesis 25:13-18. The Midianites primarily inhabited the region of Midian, located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, encompassing present-day Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and northwest Yemen.
Additionally, Ishmaelites and Midianites differ in how they appear in the Bible. The Ishmaelites are mentioned in the context of Joseph’s story as recorded in Genesis 37:25-28 while the Midianites are associated with the story of Moses as mentioned in Exodus 2:11-22. In some Bible translations, Midianites are also mentioned in the story of Joseph.
What are the similarities between Ishmaelites and Midianites?
One of the similarities between Ishmaelites and Midianites is their ancestry with Abraham. As mentioned before, Ishmael, the ancestor of the Ishmaelites, was the son of Abraham and Hagar, and Midian, the ancestor of the Midianites, was born to Abraham and his second wife, Keturah. Another similarity is their nomadic lifestyle. Ishmaelites and Midianites lived a primarily pastoral lifestyle, moving from place to place with their herds and flocks in search of grazing lands. Additionally, both interacted with the Israelites, although at different points in biblical history.
Who purchased Joseph, the Ishmaelites or the Midianites?
According to Genesis 37:12-28, Joseph was purchased by the Ishmaelites. However, in some Bible translations, there’s a mention of Midianite merchants in the same passage, which may confuse many. Scholars and theologians have offered different interpretations and explanations for this apparent discrepancy.
One possibility is that the terms “Ishmaelites” and “Midianites” were used interchangeably in this context. According to these Christian scholars and theologians, the Ishmaelites and the Midianites were likely involved in trade. They had contact with one another, making it possible for them to be present in the same caravan. Thus, the Ishmaelites and the Midianites may have collectively played a role in purchasing Joseph.
Another interpretation is that the Ishmaelites initially purchased Joseph from his brothers, and later, while on their journey to Egypt, they encountered Midianite merchants. At this point, Joseph was sold again to the Midianites, who eventually took him to Egypt. This understanding suggests that the Midianites became involved in the transaction later in the journey. However, this interpretation isn’t supported by many theologians.
It’s important to note that the biblical text doesn’t provide explicit details about the sequence of events or the exact roles of the Ishmaelites and the Midianites in purchasing Joseph. Therefore, the specific dynamics of the transaction remain somewhat unclear and of great debate among scholars and theologians.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.