THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The remaining sons of Ishmael are noted until it is stated, “They lived from Havilah to Sur, which is before Egypt, as you go to Assyria. In the presence of all his brothers he fell.” Ishmael fathered twelve sons, with Nabaioth being the firstborn. The entire region from the Euphrates to the Red Sea is still referred to as Nabathea (part of Arabia), as the inhabitants’ families, towns, villages, small fortresses, and tribes are recognized by that name. One of Ishmael's sons gave rise to Kedar in the desert, another to Dumah in a different area, a third to Fema in the southern region, and a fourth to Kedma on the eastern side.
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The concluding phrase of this verse, according to the translation of the Septuagint, “in the sight of all his brethren he lived,” is more accurately rendered as “in the sight of all his brethren he rested.” This suggests that Ishmael passed away surrounded by his sons, meaning his children outlived him, and none were lost to death before their father. It is also reasonable for them to be referred to as brothers rather than solely as sons. This is illustrated by the interaction of Jacob with Laban when he states, “What is my sin, that thou hast chased me and searched all my things? What have you found of all the things of your house? Let it be laid before my brothers and your brothers, and let them judge between us” (Gen. 31:36-37). Indeed, it would be incorrect to presume there were any brothers of Jacob apart from his children, as Scripture indicates.