Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 21:18 mean when it says 'I will make him a great nation'?
A: This verse refers to Yishmael (Ishmael), the son of Avraham and Hagar. Hashem promises that despite being sent away, Yishmael will become the father of a great nation. Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's compassion, as He responds to Yishmael's suffering (based on the previous verse where he cries out). The 'great nation' refers to the Arab peoples descended from Yishmael.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Hagar to 'lift up the lad' in Genesis 21:18?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 53:13), Hagar had distanced herself from Yishmael because she couldn't bear to watch him suffer from thirst. Hashem tells her to 'lift him up' both physically (as he was weak) and emotionally - to strengthen and support him. This teaches us about a parent's responsibility to care for their child even in difficult circumstances.
Q: How does Genesis 21:18 relate to Jewish tradition about Yishmael?
A: Jewish tradition (as explained in Talmud Sanhedrin 89b and Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer) sees this verse as establishing Yishmael's separate destiny from Yitzchak (Isaac). While Yitzchak would continue the covenant, Yishmael would become a great nation in his own right. The Rambam notes that this shows Hashem's blessings extend beyond just the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 21:18 about difficult situations?
A: The verse teaches that even in desperate situations (Hagar and Yishmael were stranded in the desert), Hashem hears our prayers and provides hope. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) connects this to the power of prayer, as the previous verse mentions Hashem heard the boy's voice. It reminds us that divine help can come when we least expect it.
Q: Why is the promise to make Yishmael a 'great nation' important in the Torah?
A: As the Ramban explains, this promise shows that Hashem fulfills His word - He had previously told Avraham (Genesis 17:20) that Yishmael would father twelve princes. The Torah includes this to demonstrate that while Yitzchak was chosen for the covenant, Hashem keeps His promises to all of Avraham's descendants. This establishes the historical relationship between the Jewish people and other nations.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bereshit 21:18) is part of the narrative where Hagar and Yishmael are sent away from Avraham's household. After wandering in the wilderness of Beer-Sheva and running out of water, Hagar despairs, but an angel of Hashem calls to her with this reassurance regarding Yishmael's future.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "קוּמִי שְׂאִי אֶת־הַנַּעַר" ("Arise, lift up the lad") indicates that Yishmael was at the point of death from thirst, and Hagar had placed him under a bush, unable to bear seeing his suffering. The angel instructs her to strengthen herself and attend to him, for Hashem had heard his cries (based on Bereshit Rabbah 53:14).
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:6) may allude to this verse when discussing divine providence—even in dire circumstances, Hashem does not abandon those who cry out to Him. The promise "כִּי־לְגוֹי גָּדוֹל אֲשִׂימֶנּוּ" ("for I will make him a great nation") demonstrates that Yishmael’s destiny was preordained, despite his current suffering.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Explanation
Ibn Ezra notes that the term "הַנַּעַר" ("the lad") is used even though Yishmael was likely a teenager, indicating his immaturity or dependence on his mother. The promise of becoming a great nation reaffirms the earlier blessing given to Hagar in Bereshit 16:10.
Halachic and Ethical Lessons