Genesis 25:17

And these are, &c. The same phrases occur in this verse as in Genesis 25:7.

gathered unto his people See note on Genesis 25:8.

18 (J). from Havilah unto Shur Cf. 1 Samuel 15:7. See note on "Havilah," Genesis 10:29. It was apparently a locality in the N.E. of Arabia. On "Shur," see note on Genesis 16:7. It was on the eastern border of Egypt. It has been conjectured that this summary description of Ishmael's territory concluded J's narrative of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-14). It seems to indicate the whole extent of country between N.E. Arabia and the E. Egyptian frontier.

before Egypt The preposition "before," i.e. "in front of," denotes "the eastern side." See note on Genesis 16:12.

as thou goest … Assyria The mention of "Assyria" is here evidently quite out of place, and the explanation of Delitzsch that it means "up to, or as far as, the country under the rule of Assyria," is very forced and improbable. Either, therefore, the Asshur here mentioned is to be connected with the country of the "Asshurim" (Genesis 25:3), or we must suppose that the text has suffered some corruption. Hence Hupfeld conjectured "unto Shur."

abode R.V. marg. settled; Heb. fell.

in the presence of R. V. marg. over against. The same preposition as is rendered "before" in the previous clause. The words are the fulfilment of the angel's promise to Hagar in Genesis 16:12, where see note.