Abraham and Ishmael the Hebrews
Abraham the Hebrew, prophet of the Most High God, friend of God and father of the Israelites, lived in a time when few
people were calling upon the name of the Lord. There was not any nation whose god was the Lord. That Lord is the same Lord
Jesus.
God separated Abraham from his friends and relatives, except Lot, so He could establish a nation who would serve the God
of Abraham. That nation is still reserved for God. However, those of that nation (Israel) who do not serve God as Abraham
did, will be cut off from the nation.
There are actually two Israels. There is the natural-born descendants of Abraham and there is the Spirit-born descendants
of Abraham. Engrafted into the Spirit-born descendants are the Gentiles from many nations, who are born of the same Spirit.
Those Gentiles are true Israelites. They are equal to the Hebrews who are born of the Spirit of Abraham's God. Abraham himself
was born of the same Spirit. The descendants of Abraham who remain natural born cannot inherit the spiritual kingdom of God.
There were other descendants of Abraham. Ishmael the Hebrew was a direct descendant of Abraham the Hebrew. Although his
mother was of Egyptian descent, Ishmael had all right to be referred to as a Hebrew. This part of his identity cannot be erased
by anyone. Ishmael himself could not change that part of his identity. It is only fair to Ishmael and all his descendants
that this truth remain established.
Unto Ishmael the Hebrew, twelve princes were given to form the nation of the Ishmaelites. They were his direct descendants.
The Hebrew, Ishmael, fathered twelve Hebrews not twelve Arabs. Also the scriptures clearly show that God blessed them to be
ONE nation. The identity of being Hebrew cannot be taken away by wishful thinking. It was established by birth. The new name
of the new nation ie. Ishmaelites cannot change the birth identity and the lineage of the Ishmaelites.
It is an honour for people to want to be associated with the great prophet Abraham, but that honour becomes dishonour when
the claims of descent and associations are false. Ishmael, though not a prophet of the Most High God, would have understood
a lot about honour. He could not raise up twelve princes without understanding honour. Ishmael would not, as a man of honour,
despise his Hebrew identity and preferred an Arab identity. The Hebrew, Ishmael, honoured his Hebrew father, Abraham and identified
with him at his burial. Isaac the Hebrew, and Ishmael the Hebrew, buried their father Abraham the Hebrew.
Many of these things are in the Bible (mainly in Genesis). They are not explained in the Holy Bible like this, but these
things can be understood by fair minded people. I hope you are fair and honourable to leave Abraham with the blessing of the
the identity of his son Ishmael the Hebrew where it rightfully belongs.
Since Ishmael was not born of the Spirit of the Most High God, he has no part in the spiritual kingdom of God. He could
not be a prophet of Abraham's God for this same reason. The true prophets were born of the Spirit of Abraham's God. They prophesied
as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Prophets who were not and are not born of the Spirit of the living God cannot prophesy
for that God. Their prophecies are from elsewhere. Their prophecies are against the Most High God. Their prophecies are actually
sins. Those who follow them are in sins and will not escape the judgement of the Most High God, unless they repent and serve
God, through His Son, Jesus.
Abraham had some children from Keturah. If you look up this in Genesis chapter 25 you will notice that the sons were referred
to as the sons of the concubines and children of Keturah. They were not called sons of Abraham as Ishmael and Isaac were called.
Does that wording means that they should not be called Hebrews. I think not. They also were Hebrews. The scripture is not
used to do away with the identity of the father of the children. The father is clearly identified. The children are spoken
of in that fashion because Abraham had children from several wives.
May the Most High God bless you to agree with His friend Abraham and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Most High
God).
Abdool N