Genesis 25:2-4

2-4. Compare 1 Chronicles 1:32-33. Here are mentioned six sons, seven grandsons, and three great-grandsons . The subsequent history and location of the tribes that sprung from them are very uncertain, and conjectures on the subject are scarcely worth repeating . Those who wish to note them should consult the Bible Dictionaries on the several names . From Midian came the Midianites, often mentioned in the later history of Israel . We meet them in the history of Joseph (Genesis 37:28) and of Moses, (Exodus 2:15; Numbers 22:4,) and against them Gideon waged successful war . Judges chapters 6-8 . The names of Sheba and Dedan occur among the sons of Cush, (Genesis 10:7,) but nothing can be argued from such repetition of names . Some, however, think that these tribes subsequently became intermixed by marriage . Midian, Ephah, and Sheba are mentioned together in Isaiah 60:6. These tribes were nomadic, and probably for a time wandered, like Abraham, to and fro in the wide deserts south and east of Palestine. They probably, at a subsequent date, became largely intermingled with the Ishmaelites, and are represented now in the numerous Arab tribes of these same ancient deserts.