And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.
Ver. 17. And he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered,] sc., to "the congregation house of all living," as the grave is called, Job 30:23 and, for aught we know, to "the congregation house (πανηγυρις) of the firstborn," as heaven is called. Heb 12:23 Abraham prayed that Ishmael might live in God's sight: Ishmael joined with his brother Isaac in burying their father Abraham. Gen 25:9 Here he hath his whole lifetime recorded, the like whereof cannot be showed of any reprobate; and at his death, he is said gently to "give up the ghost," or yield up the spirit (as Abraham also did, Gen 25:8), and to be "gathered to his people," as he. These are probable arguments, that, however he lived, yet he died in the faith of his father Abraham. He runs far, we say, that never turns. Nunquam sere si serio.