Genesis 25:16

These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

Cross-reference

Genesis 17:20 Prophetic fulfillment

In Genesis 17:20, God promised Ishmael would father twelve princes. This list of twelve princes fulfills that promise.

Genesis 37:25 Historical context

In Genesis 37:25, an Ishmaelite caravan passes Joseph — descendants of these twelve clans who formed trading companies.