Peace all,
I have no intention of entering the numerology discussion, but as we are now discussing the fact of an alternative reading of Genesis 16:10, I thought this topical study of the Ishmaelites one worth posting here.
Ishmaelites, The
(From Torrey's Topical Textbook)
* Descended from Abraham’s son, Ishmael
Genesis 16:15,16; 1 Chronicles 1:28
* Divided into twelve tribes
Genesis 25:16
* Heads of tribes
Genesis 25:13-15; 1 Chronicles 1:29-31
* CALLED
* Hagarites
1 Chronicles 5:10
* Hagarenes
Psalms 83:6
* Arabians
Isaiah 13:20
* Original possessions of
Genesis 25:18
* Governed by kings
Jeremiah 25:24
* Dwelt in tents
Isaiah 13:20
* Rich in cattle
1 Chronicles 5:21
* Wore ornaments of gold
Judges 8:24
* Were the merchants of the east
Genesis 37:25; Ezekiel 27:20,21
* Travelled in large companies or caravans
Genesis 37:25; Job 6:19
* Waylaid and plundered travellers
Jeremiah 3:2
* Often confederate against Israel
Psalms 83:6
* OVERCOME BY
* Gideon
Judges 8:10-24
* Reubenites and Gadites
1 Chronicles 5:10,18-20
* Uzziah
2 Chronicles 26:7
* Sent presents to Solomon
1 Kings 10:15; 2 Chronicles 9:14
* Sent flocks to Jehoshaphat
2 Chronicles 17:11
* PREDICTIONS RESPECTING
* To be numerous
Genesis 16:10; 17:20
* To be wild and savage
Genesis 16:12
* To be warlike and predatory
Genesis 16:12
* To be divided into twelve tribes
Genesis 17:20
* To continue independent
Genesis 16:12
* To be a great nation
Genesis 21:13,18
* To be judged with the nations
Jeremiah 25:23-25
* Their glory, &c to be diminished
Isaiah 21:13-17
* Their submission to Christ
Psalms 72:10,15
* Probably preached to by Paul
Galatians 1:17
I think that probably there is much truth in both readings of the verse, according to the Bible.