The Ishmaelites, or [[Hagarenes]]. Hagar, when cast forth by Abraham, dwelt with her son in the wilderness of Paran, to the north of Arabia. The divine promise of temporal prosperity in favour of the seed of Ishmael was faithfully fulfilled. His twelve sons became "twelve princes according to their nations." These fruitful tribes first extended along the frontier of Arabia, from the northern extremity of the Red Sea towards the mouth of the Euphrates. They appear to have occupied each a separate district, and followed a nomad life, in moveable encampments, and with occasional fortified places of refuge for their cattle. They also practised merchandize, and became wealthy and powerful.
