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Genesis 21:9 - Sarah sees Yishmael's misbehavior

Genesis 21:9 - בראשית 21:9

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּרֶא שָׂרָה אֶת־בֶּן־הָגָר הַמִּצְרִית אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה לְאַבְרָהָם מְצַחֵק׃

English Translation

And Sara saw the son of Hagar the Miżrian, whom she had born to Avraham, mocking.

Transliteration

Va-teere Sara et ben-Hagar ha-Mitzrit asher yalda le-Avraham metzachek.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֨רֶא שָׂרָ֜ה אֶֽת־בֶּן־הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם מְצַחֵֽק׃
וַתֵּ֨רֶא שָׂרָ֜ה אֶֽת־בֶּן־הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם מְצַחֵֽק׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 21:9) describes Sarah observing Yishmael, the son of Hagar, engaging in behavior described as "מְצַחֵק" (metsachek), which is often translated as "mocking." However, the term carries deeper implications in traditional Jewish sources.

Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi explains that the word "מְצַחֵק" here refers to idolatry, based on the connection to the same root used in Shemot 32:6 regarding the Golden Calf ("וַיָּקֻמוּ לְצַחֵק"). Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 53:11), which states that Sarah saw Yishmael bowing to idols, prompting her concern for Yitzchak's spiritual well-being.

Ramban's Perspective

Ramban offers an alternative view, suggesting that "מְצַחֵק" refers to Yishmael claiming inheritance rights over Avraham's estate, thereby threatening Yitzchak's position as the rightful heir. This interpretation aligns with the subsequent verses where Sarah insists on Hagar and Yishmael's expulsion.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah 53:11: Expands on Rashi's view, stating Yishmael was not merely playing but engaging in immoral behavior, including murderous intent toward Yitzchak.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 30: Describes Yishmael shooting arrows at Yitzchak under the guise of play, demonstrating the severity of his actions.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:7) references this episode to establish that descendants of Yishmael are not entitled to a share in Eretz Yisrael, as the inheritance was explicitly granted to Yitzchak's line (Bereshit 21:12). This underscores the Torah's emphasis on Yitzchak as Avraham's spiritual successor.

Literary Context

The term "מְצַחֵק" appears earlier in Bereshit (19:14) regarding Lot's sons-in-law dismissing his warnings as "jesting." This parallel suggests a thematic connection—trivializing divine matters leads to severe consequences, as seen in Yishmael's expulsion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of Sarah's observation of Ishmael's behavior, which leads to his and Hagar's expulsion from Abraham's household.
📖 Sotah 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the implications of Ishmael's actions and Sarah's response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'mocking' mean in Genesis 21:9?
A: Rashi explains that the word 'מְצַחֵק' (mocking) in this verse implies that Yishmael was engaged in inappropriate behavior, possibly idolatry or immorality (based on Genesis Rabbah 53:11). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) also suggests it may refer to him claiming Avraham's inheritance.
Q: Why did Sarah react so strongly to Yishmael's behavior?
A: Sarah understood that Yishmael's negative influence could endanger Yitzchak's spiritual growth. The Rambam (Hilchos Isurei Biah 12:10) teaches that negative influences must be removed to protect righteousness, which is why Sarah insisted on sending Hagar and Yishmael away.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sarah's response in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 53:11) teaches that Sarah's actions demonstrate the importance of safeguarding one's household from harmful influences. This applies today in being careful about the environments and company we keep for spiritual growth.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Hagar was Egyptian?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah emphasizes Hagar's Egyptian background to highlight that Yishmael's negative behavior stemmed from her upbringing (Genesis Rabbah 45:1). This teaches that parental influence shapes a child's character.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish view of education?
A: This incident underscores the Torah's emphasis on proper education. The Talmud (Sotah 47a) derives from here that one must distance negative influences to preserve moral and spiritual development, a principle applied in Jewish education today.