Interesting Facts

• Eli is listed as one of the sons of Kedar, the offspring of Ishmael’s second-born son.

Genealogy

• Eli’s ancestry can be traced back to Abraham, through his son Ishmael and his grandson Kedar.
• His grandfather was Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar.
• His father was Kedar, one of the twelve sons of Ishmael.
• The sources available do not provide the name of Eli’s mother. However, it is recorded that Kedar’s mother was Ribah (also called Meribah), an Egyptian woman and the wife of Ishmael.
• The provided texts contain no information concerning Eli’s marital status, nor do they mention any progeny he may have had.
• Eli had at least three brothers: Alyon, Kezem, and Chamad, who are mentioned alongside him as sons of Kedar.

Historical Context

The appearance of Eli within these genealogical records places him within the context of the burgeoning family of Ishmael. Following Ishmael’s establishment in the wilderness of Paran and his marriage to an Egyptian woman named Ribah, his lineage began to expand through his twelve sons, among whom was Kedar, Eli’s father. Eli thus represents the third generation of Abraham’s descendants through Ishmael. This lineage developed in parallel to that of Isaac, Abraham’s son through Sarah, who is depicted as the primary inheritor of the Abrahamic covenant. The historical backdrop for Eli’s existence is the nomadic or semi-nomadic life likely led by Ishmael’s descendants, as suggested by the growth of their livestock and their dwelling in tents in the wilderness. These descendants established themselves in regions distinct from Canaan, contributing to the diverse population of the ancient Near East. The focus within these texts, however, remains largely on the line leading to the eventual nation of Israel through Isaac, with the descendants of Ishmael primarily noted for their genealogical significance, illustrating the widespread progeny of Abraham according to divine promise.

Narrative

The narrative pertaining to Eli, son of Kedar, within the confines of these scriptural excerpts, is strictly genealogical in nature. He is mentioned solely as one of the sons of Kedar. The texts offer no further elaboration on Eli’s individual life, his actions, interactions, or any specific events associated with him. His significance within these records lies in his inclusion within the documented বংশতালিকা (genealogy) that traces the expansion of Ishmael’s family. While details of Eli’s personal history remain absent from these passages, his very mention serves to highlight the meticulous recording of lineage, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern texts to establish identity, heritage, and the fulfillment of divine pronouncements regarding the multiplication of Abraham’s descendants. Eli’s existence contributes to the broader narrative of Abraham’s seed developing into numerous peoples and nations, as foretold in the scriptures.