Genesis 16:15 - Yishmael's birth: Divine promise fulfilled?

Genesis 16:15 - בראשית 16:15

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּלֶד הָגָר לְאַבְרָם בֵּן וַיִּקְרָא אַבְרָם שֶׁם־בְּנוֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה הָגָר יִשְׁמָעֵאל׃

English Translation

And Hagar bore Avram a son: and Avram called his son’s name, whom Hagar bore, Yishma᾽el.

Transliteration

Va'teled Hagar le'Avram ben vayikra Avram shem-b'no asher-yaldah Hagar Yishmael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֧לֶד הָגָ֛ר לְאַבְרָ֖ם בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָ֧ם שֶׁם־בְּנ֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה הָגָ֖ר יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Yishmael

The verse states: "And Hagar bore Avram a son, and Avram called his son’s name, whom Hagar bore, Yishmael" (Bereishit 16:15). The naming of Yishmael carries deep significance in the narrative of Avraham Avinu’s family and the unfolding of divine promises.

Avram’s Role in Naming

Rashi (Bereishit 16:15) notes that the verse emphasizes Avram naming the child, rather than Hagar, despite the earlier prophecy where the angel tells Hagar, "You shall call his name Yishmael" (Bereishit 16:11). This teaches that Avram acted in accordance with the divine message, affirming the name given by the angel. Ramban (Bereishit 16:15) adds that Avram’s naming demonstrates his authority and role as the father, ensuring the child’s lineage and spiritual connection.

Meaning of the Name Yishmael

The name Yishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל) means "G-d will hear", reflecting Hagar’s earlier plea in the wilderness when she said, "You are the G-d Who sees" (Bereishit 16:13). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:7) explains that this name signifies divine compassion—Hashem heard Hagar’s suffering and responded with mercy. However, the Talmud (Nedarim 31a) also notes that the name carries a dual implication: while Hashem hears the cries of the oppressed, Yishmael’s descendants would later cause suffering, prompting Hashem to hear the prayers of Bnei Yisrael.

Yishmael’s Place in Avraham’s Legacy

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:7) discusses Yishmael’s status as a descendant of Avraham, noting that while he was not the chosen heir of the covenant (which would pass through Yitzchak), he was still blessed due to his father’s merit. The Zohar (Bereishit 99b) elaborates that Yishmael’s spiritual role was to serve as a test for the Jewish people in later generations, embodying the challenges of exile and conflict.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: The naming of Yishmael underscores that even events outside the main covenant (brit) are guided by Hashem’s will.
  • Parental Responsibility: Avram’s act of naming teaches the importance of a father’s role in shaping a child’s identity.
  • Compassion and Justice: The name Yishmael reflects both divine mercy and the eventual justice that would come upon his descendants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 104b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of Yishma'el and the significance of names in biblical narratives.
📖 Berakhot 13a
Mentioned in the context of discussions about Avraham's descendants and the covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avram name his son Yishma'el?
A: Avram named his son Yishma'el (meaning 'God will hear') because Hagar was told by an angel that God heard her suffering (Genesis 16:11). This name reflects divine compassion and responsiveness to human distress, a key theme in Jewish tradition.
Q: Who was Hagar in the Torah?
A: Hagar was Sarah's maidservant (Genesis 16:1) who bore Avram's first son, Yishma'el, when Sarah was initially unable to conceive. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 45:1) describes her as Pharaoh's daughter who recognized Sarah's righteousness and chose to serve her.
Q: What is the significance of Yishma'el's birth in the Torah?
A: Yishma'el's birth represents the fulfillment of God's promise to make Avram a father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) notes that Yishma'el did teshuva (repentance) in his later years, showing that even those who stray can return to righteousness.
Q: How does Jewish tradition view Yishma'el?
A: Jewish tradition views Yishma'el as both Avraham's son and the ancestor of nations. While the Torah shows tension between Yishma'el and Yitzchak (Genesis 21:9), Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:7) teaches that descendants of Yishma'el can achieve righteousness by following the Noahide laws.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Avram named Yishma'el?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Avram named Yishma'el to show his acceptance of the child despite being born from Hagar rather than Sarah. Rashi (on Genesis 16:15) notes this demonstrates Avram's compassion and his role as father to all his offspring, a model of parental responsibility.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2025 Hebrew Bible Verse a Day. All rights reserved.