Gen 16:12 | JFB | STEP | 12. he will be a wild man-- literally, "a wild ass man," expressing how the wildness of Ishmael and his descendants resembles that of the wild ass. his hand will be against every man-- descriptive of the rude, turbulent, and plundering character of the Arabs. dwell in the presence of all his brethren-- dwell, that is, pitch tents; and the meaning is that they maintain their independence in spite of all attempts to extirpate or subdue them.

‏ Genesis 16:12

12. he will be a wild man--literally, "a wild ass man," expressing how the wildness of Ishmael and his descendants resembles that of the wild ass.

his hand will be against every man--descriptive of the rude, turbulent, and plundering character of the Arabs.

dwell in the presence of all his brethren--dwell, that is, pitch tents; and the meaning is that they maintain their independence in spite of all attempts to extirpate or subdue them.