Genesis 25:18
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
Genesis 25:18 belongs to the account of God's providential dealings with Abraham's family, the chosen family through which the promised Seed would come. It continues the story of Abraham and his family, showing his gradual development of faith and Isaac and his two sons in their defects, leading to Jacob's victory by which he became Israel, prevailer with God. It belongs to the account of Ishmael's descendants, through which the Abyssinians' descent from Abraham is traced.
Each of Ishmael's twelve sons became the head of a tribe. Descendants of his oldest son united with the Edomites in building up the Idumean kingdom and its marvelous rock-hewn capital Petra, while other Ishmaelites also lived a settled life.
The great majority were nomads identified with the wandering tribes of the Arabian and Syrian deserts, dwelling alongside their brethren especially Israel in movable villages of tents throughout the desert region from the Euphrates westward, from Havilah unto Shur. They did a large carrying trade across the desert, and lived by raiding and plundering or demanding payment from travelers whenever opportunity presented itself. Their continued existence beside Israel while retaining distinct characteristics is a literal fulfillment of God's word.