Nebaioth
Patriarchs (Abraham–Joseph)
Arabia
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H5032
Nebaioth, the firstborn son of Ishmael, was the ancestor of a tribe known for their flocks and mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy of future blessing.
Nebaioth was the firstborn son of Ishmael and a grandson of Abraham, listed first among Ishmael's twelve sons who became princes according to their tribes (Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 1:29). He is mentioned in connection with his sister Mahalath (or Basemath), who married Esau (Genesis 28:9; 36:3). Isaiah 60:7 predicts that the flocks of Nebaioth will serve the LORD in the eschatological restoration of Jerusalem, reflecting the tribe's association with pastoral wealth. Ancient sources tentatively associate the Nebaiothites with the Nabataeans, though this identification is debated.