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Genesis 21:21 - Yishmael's Egyptian wife chosen

Genesis 21:21 - בראשית 21:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּשֶׁב בְּמִדְבַּר פָּארָן וַתִּקַּח־לוֹ אִמּוֹ אִשָּׁה מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vayeshev bmidbar Paran vatikach-lo imo isha me'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר פָּארָ֑ן וַתִּֽקַּֽח־ל֥וֹ אִמּ֛וֹ אִשָּׁ֖ה מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר פָּארָ֑ן וַתִּֽקַּֽח־ל֥וֹ אִמּ֛וֹ אִשָּׁ֖ה מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 21:21) describes Yishmael's settlement in the wilderness of Paran and his mother Hagar taking a wife for him from the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt). This occurs after Avraham sends Hagar and Yishmael away at Sarah's request (Genesis 21:14).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the wilderness of Paran refers to the area where Yishmael settled, later associated with his descendants. Regarding Hagar taking a wife for Yishmael from Mitzrayim, Rashi notes that this aligns with Yishmael's nature—just as he was "wild" (per Genesis 16:12), so too his mother sought a wife from a place known for immorality (Mitzrayim). This reflects the principle of "מעשה אבות סימן לבנים" (the actions of the fathers are a sign for the children), as Yishmael's descendants would later exhibit similar traits.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) emphasize Divine Providence in human choices. Hagar's selection of a wife from Mitzrayim may reflect the natural consequences of Yishmael's upbringing—without Avraham's direct influence, his path diverged from the spiritual legacy of Avraham's household.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (61:6) states that Hagar returned to her idolatrous roots in Mitzrayim when choosing Yishmael's wife, reinforcing the spiritual divide between Yishmael's lineage and Yitzchak's.
  • Some Midrashim suggest that this wife was the same woman Hagar had previously arranged for Yishmael before being expelled (see Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 30), indicating a consistent pattern in Yishmael's associations.

Halachic Implications

The Chizkuni observes that Hagar acted as Yishmael's mother in arranging the marriage, not as his father (Avraham), highlighting the breakdown of paternal guidance. This aligns with Talmudic principles (Kiddushin 41a) that a father bears responsibility for his son's marriage, underscoring Yishmael's separation from Avraham's direct influence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the 'he' mentioned in Genesis 21:21?
A: The 'he' refers to Yishmael (Ishmael), the son of Avraham and Hagar. This verse describes events in Yishmael's life after he and his mother were sent away from Avraham's household (as described earlier in Genesis 21).
Q: Why did Yishmael dwell in the wilderness of Paran?
A: According to Rashi, Paran was a desert region where Yishmael settled and became an archer (as mentioned in Genesis 21:20). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Paran was part of the inheritance given to Yishmael's descendants.
Q: Why did Yishmael's mother take him a wife from Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that since Hagar herself was Egyptian (as mentioned in Genesis 16:1), she returned to her homeland to find a wife for her son. This teaches us about the common practice of seeking marriage partners from one's own family or people during biblical times.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about Yishmael's life?
A: This verse shows how Yishmael established himself independently in Paran and started his own family. The Rambam teaches that every person has free will to choose their path, and here we see Yishmael building his life according to his mother's guidance and his own efforts.
Q: Is there significance to the wilderness of Paran in Jewish tradition?
A: Yes, Paran is significant in Jewish tradition. Later in the Torah (Numbers 10:12), the Israelites journey through the wilderness of Paran during their travels in the desert. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) also associates Paran with divine revelation, as some opinions hold that Torah was given from Paran (in addition to Sinai).