Genesis 16:10 - Promise of countless descendants

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 16:10) appears in the narrative of Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, after she flees from Sarah's presence. The angel of Hashem finds her in the wilderness and delivers this promise regarding her descendants. The language echoes earlier divine promises to Avraham (Bereshit 13:16, 15:5), suggesting a connection between the destinies of Yitzchak's lineage and Yishmael's lineage.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה" ("I will multiply exceedingly") uses a doubled verb form to emphasize the magnitude of the blessing. He notes that this mirrors the language used in the blessing to Avraham (Bereshit 22:17), indicating that Yishmael's descendants would also become numerous, though distinct from the chosen line of Yitzchak.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:42), Rambam discusses angelic communication as a form of divine prophecy. Here, the angel speaks as a divine messenger, conveying Hashem's promise. The assurance of innumerable offspring aligns with the broader theme in Sefer Bereshit of divine providence shaping the destiny of nations.

Midrashic Interpretation

Bereishit Rabbah (45:9) comments on the phrase "וְלֹא יִסָּפֵר מֵרֹב" ("that it shall not be numbered for multitude"). The Midrash contrasts this with the promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars - while both are innumerable, Yisrael's blessing is celestial (stars = spiritual elevation), while Yishmael's is terrestrial (sand = physical multitude).

Halachic Implications

• The Malbim notes this promise was conditional on Yishmael's return and submission to Sarah's household (Bereshit 16:9), teaching that divine blessings often require human effort and proper conduct.
• Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch emphasizes that while Yishmael's physical descendants would be numerous, the spiritual covenant remained exclusively with Yitzchak's lineage.

Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra observes that the verb "אַרְבֶּה" appears in the imperfect tense, suggesting an ongoing, progressive multiplication rather than a one-time event. This aligns with the historical reality of Arab nations descending from Yishmael proliferating across generations.