Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Avraham mean when he says 'O that Yishma'el might live before thee'?
A: Avraham is expressing his deep love and concern for his son Yishma'el. He prays that Yishma'el should merit to live a righteous life in service of Hashem ('before thee'). Rashi explains that Avraham was asking that Yishma'el should survive and be worthy of Divine favor, even as he accepted Hashem's promise that Yitzchak would be his main heir.
Q: Why did Avraham pray specifically for Yishma'el at this moment?
A: This occurred when Hashem told Avraham that Sarah would bear Yitzchak and establish the covenant through him. Avraham, concerned about Yishma'el's future, prayed that he too should have a spiritual legacy. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 47:6) notes this shows a father's compassion, as Avraham didn't want Yishma'el excluded from spiritual blessings.
Q: How does Hashem respond to Avraham's prayer for Yishma'el?
A: In the next verse (Genesis 17:20), Hashem blesses Yishma'el that he will father twelve princes and become a great nation. The Ramban explains this shows that while Yitzchak was chosen for the special covenant, Yishma'el still received significant blessings in response to Avraham's prayer.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's prayer for Yishma'el?
A: We learn the importance of praying for all our children's welfare, both physical and spiritual. The Sforno notes that even when one child is singled out for special destiny (like Yitzchak), a parent must still care deeply about all their children's futures, as Avraham demonstrated.
Q: Does Yishma'el's blessing still affect us today?
A: Yes, our tradition teaches that Yishma'el's descendants became important nations (as promised in Genesis 17:20). The Talmud (Taanit 28a) discusses how these nations have played significant roles in history. However, the Torah emphasizes that the eternal covenant continues specifically through Yitzchak's line (Genesis 17:19).
Avraham's Prayer for Yishmael
The verse (Bereishit 17:18) records Avraham's plea to Hashem concerning his son Yishmael: "O that Yishmael might live before thee!" This occurs after Hashem informs Avraham that Sarah will bear Yitzchak, through whom the covenant will be established.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Avraham was concerned for Yishmael's spiritual welfare, praying that he should merit to "live before" Hashem—meaning to serve Him with devotion. Avraham's love for his son extended beyond physical life to a desire for his spiritual elevation.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:7) notes that Avraham recognized Yishmael's potential for righteousness, as he was circumcised and raised in Avraham's household. His prayer reflects the Jewish belief that all people—not just Jews—can achieve a relationship with Hashem through righteous conduct.
Midrashic Insights
Theological Implications
This verse demonstrates: