A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon/Ishmaelites

by George Reynolds

ISHMAELITES. The descendants of that Ishmael who, with his family, left his home in Jerusalem and accompanied Lehi on his journey to the promised land. After the death of Lehi they became absorbed in the Lamanite race and formed a part of that people. When corruption and dissension had entered into the true church (A. C. 231), some reassumed the name of Ishmaelites. We are told (IV Nephi, 1:38), they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle in unbelief.