Ishmael was an inhabitant of Jerusalem during the time Lehi commenced his family’s exodus, approximately 600 BC. An Ephraimite by descent, he was directed by the Lord to join Lehi’s company in the wilderness. Lehi’s party included his own family, who were from the tribe of Manasseh, thus bringing together the lineages of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, in fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
Ishmael’s family consisted of his wife, five daughters, and at least two sons, who possessed their own families (1 Nephi 7:2, 1 Nephi 7:6). Following the commandment of the Lord, Nephi and his brethren returned to Jerusalem and successfully invited Ishmael and his household to accompany them, thereby securing future marriages within the group (1 Nephi 7:4–5). These marriages between Lehi’s sons, Nephi, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph, and Zoram with Ishmael’s daughters would become foundational for the lineage of the Nephites.
The journey into the wilderness was not without its tribulations. Strife arose among the group, leading Ishmael’s family to experience a divide in opinion similar to that of Lehi’s sons. On one occasion, Ishmael’s wife, one daughter, and one of his sons played peacemaking roles, intervening to prevent Nephi’s murder at the hands of his rebellious brothers, Laman and Lemuel (1 Nephi 7:19).
Ishmael’s journey concluded in the wilderness, where he died and was buried at a location called Nahom (1 Nephi 16:34). His death was a source of great mourning and discontent within his and Lehi’s family, causing accusations against Lehi for leading them away from Jerusalem. Despite the hardships, the group continued their travels.
While Ishmael did not live to see the establishment of the Nephite and Lamanite nations, his descendants, through their marriages and posterity, played a significant role in the history and demography of the populations described in the Book of Mormon. The name Ishmael and his lineage were still recognized generations later, as the Lamanite region was named the land of Ishmael when Ammon ventured there during his mission (Alma 17:19). Ishmael’s legacy continued as both the Nephite and Lamanite peoples developed from the unions forged in the wilderness.