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Genesis 17:21 - Isaac: Covenant's chosen heir

Genesis 17:21 - בראשית 17:21

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־בְּרִיתִי אָקִים אֶת־יִצְחָק אֲשֶׁר תֵּלֵד לְךָ שָׂרָה לַמּוֹעֵד הַזֶּה בַּשָּׁנָה הָאַחֶרֶת׃

English Translation

But my covenant will I establish with Yiżĥaq, whom Sara shall bear to thee at this time next year.

Transliteration

Ve'et briti akim et Yitzchak asher teled lecha Sarah lamoed hazeh bashanah ha'acharet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י אָקִ֣ים אֶת־יִצְחָ֑ק אֲשֶׁר֩ תֵּלֵ֨ד לְךָ֤ שָׂרָה֙ לַמּוֹעֵ֣ד הַזֶּ֔ה בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הָאַחֶֽרֶת׃
וְאֶת־בְּרִיתִ֖י אָקִ֣ים אֶת־יִצְחָ֑ק אֲשֶׁר֩ תֵּלֵ֨ד לְךָ֤ שָׂרָה֙ לַמּוֹעֵ֣ד הַזֶּ֔ה בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הָאַחֶֽרֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Covenant

The verse (Bereshit 17:21) appears in the context of the brit bein habetarim (Covenant Between the Parts), where Hashem reaffirms His covenant with Avraham Avinu. Here, Hashem specifies that the covenant will be established specifically with Yitzchak, the son promised to Sarah, rather than Yishmael, Avraham's son with Hagar. This underscores the divine selection of Yitzchak as the heir to Avraham's spiritual legacy.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "אֲשֶׁר תֵּלֵד לְךָ שָׂרָה" ("whom Sarah shall bear to thee") to emphasize that Yitzchak's lineage is traced specifically through Sarah, distinguishing him from Yishmael, who was born to Hagar. Rashi also notes that the phrase "לַמּוֹעֵד הַזֶּה בַּשָּׁנָה הָאַחֶרֶת" ("at this time next year") is a precise fulfillment of the earlier promise (Bereshit 18:10), demonstrating Hashem's exactitude in keeping His word.

The Significance of the Timing

The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the phrase "לַמּוֹעֵד הַזֶּה" ("at this time") refers to the same season of the following year, indicating that Yitzchak's birth would occur during Pesach, a time associated with miracles and divine intervention. This timing connects Yitzchak's birth to themes of redemption and divine promise.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 53:2) teaches that Sarah's ability to conceive was a miraculous event, as she was naturally past childbearing age. This miracle reinforced the uniqueness of Yitzchak as the chosen son of the covenant.
  • Another Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 32) highlights that Yitzchak's birth was foretold with precision to demonstrate that his arrival was entirely orchestrated by Hashem, not natural circumstance.

Theological Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) derives from this verse the principle that divine prophecy is precise and reliable. The specificity of the promise—mentioning Sarah, Yitzchak, and the exact timing—reinforces the truth of nevuah (prophecy) and Hashem's active role in guiding Jewish history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of Sarah's conception and the birth of Isaac, emphasizing God's promise and the specific time mentioned in the verse.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the miracles and divine interventions in the lives of the matriarchs, particularly Sarah's miraculous conception of Isaac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 17:21 mean?
A: In Genesis 17:21, Hashem tells Avraham that His covenant (brit) will be specifically established with Yitzchak (Isaac), the son that Sarah will bear the following year. This verse emphasizes that Yitzchak, not Yishmael (Ishmael), is the chosen heir of Avraham's spiritual legacy. Rashi explains that this clarifies the earlier promise, showing that the covenant would continue through Yitzchak's descendants.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes Yitzchak as the continuation of the covenant between Hashem and Avraham. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this covenant includes the mitzvot (commandments) and the spiritual mission of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) also discusses how this brit (covenant) sets the foundation for the Jewish people's unique relationship with Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 17:21?
A: We learn that divine promises are fulfilled in Hashem's precise timing ('at this time next year'). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights Sarah’s laughter and later joy, teaching that even when things seem impossible, Hashem’s word is certain. Additionally, the verse teaches the importance of lineage (Yitzchak as the chosen son) in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds Jews of the eternal covenant with Hashem, which includes Torah observance and faithfulness to mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) connects this covenant to the Jewish people's enduring mission. It also reinforces belief in divine providence—just as Hashem kept His promise to Sarah, we trust in His guidance in our lives.