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 desirous to make an experiment of Abraham's religious
disposition towards himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the
blessings he had bestowed on him; how he had made him superior to his
enemies; and that his son Isaac, who was the principal part of his
present happiness, was derived from him; and he said that he required
this son of his as a sacrifice and holy oblation. Accordingly he
commanded him to carry him to the mountain Moriah, and to build an
altar, and offer him for a burnt-offering upon it for that this would
best manifest his religious disposition towards him, if he preferred
what was pleasing to God, before the preservation of his own son.

2. Now Abraham thought that it was not right to disobey God in any
thing, but that he was obliged to serve him in every circumstance of
life, since all creatures that live enjoy their life by his providence,
and the kindness he bestows on them. Accordingly he concealed this
command of God, and his own intentions about the slaughter of his son,
from his wife, as also from every one of h