spent, she laid the young child, who was ready to expire, under a
fig-tree, and went on further, that so he might die while she was
absent. But a Divine Angel came to her, and told her of a
fountain hard by, and bid her take care, and bring up the child,
because she should be very happy by the preservation of Ismael.
She then took courage, upon the prospect of what was promised
her, and, meeting with some shepherds, by their care she got
clear of the distresses she had been in.

4. When the lad was grown up, he married a wife, by birth an
Egyptian, from whence the mother was herself derived originally.
Of this wife were born to Ismael twelve sons; Nabaioth, Kedar,
Abdeel, Mabsam, Idumas, Masmaos, Masaos, Chodad, Theman, Jetur,
Naphesus, Cadmas. These inhabited all the country from Euphrates
to the Red Sea, and called it Nabatene. They are an Arabian
nation, and name their tribes from these, both because of their
own virtue, and because of the dignity of Abraham their father.

CHAPTER 13.

Concerning Isaac The Legitimate Son Of Abraham.

1. Now Abraham greatly loved Isaac, as being his only begotten
(27) and given to him at the borders of old age, by the favor of
God. The child also endeared himself to his parents still more,
by the exercise of every virtue, and adhering to his duty to his
parents, and being zealous in the worship of God. Abraham also
placed his own happiness in this prospect, that, when he should
die, he should leave this his son in a safe and secure condition;
which accordingly he obtained by the will of God: who being