Isaac and Ishmael: Origins of the Middle East Conflict, or a Religious Myth?

JB Shreve
January 21, 2024 1 min to read
Reading Time: < 1 minute

For the last 80 years, a popular teaching has emerged that states the conflict between Israel and the Arabs is Biblical in origin. According to this teaching, the story of Isaac and Ishmael is the seed of a perpetual conflict that has always and will always exist between Israel and the Arabs. You can find this Isaac and Ishmael doctrine taught among many Christians, Jews, and even Muslims today. But is it true? What are the facts to back it up?  In this video/teaching, I explore the facts behind the doctrine. I look in depth at the actual scriptures that support (or fail to support) the Isaac and Ishmael myth. I then look at the historical realities of the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. Last, and this is the most important part, I explore the harmful implications of this myth.

 

Links:

What Islam Teaches About Isaac and Ishmael

Ishmael Is Not the Father of the Arabs (Middle East Forum)

Every Mention of Ishmael in the Bible

History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Podcast Series)

 

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