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Genesis 25:12 - Yishmael's legacy unfolds

Genesis 25:12 - בראשית 25:12

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה תֹּלְדֹת יִשְׁמָעֵאל בֶּן־אַבְרָהָם אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָה הָגָר הַמִּצְרִית שִׁפְחַת שָׂרָה לְאַבְרָהָם׃

English Translation

Now these are the generations of Yishma᾽el, Avraham’s son, whom Hagar the Miżrian, Sara’s handmaid, bore to Avraham:

Transliteration

Ve'eleh toldot Yishma'el ben-Avraham asher yaldah Hagar ha-Mitzrit shifchat Sarah le-Avraham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְדֹ֥ת יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל בֶּן־אַבְרָהָ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָלְדָ֜ה הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית שִׁפְחַ֥ת שָׂרָ֖ה לְאַבְרָהָֽם׃
וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְדֹ֥ת יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל בֶּן־אַבְרָהָ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָלְדָ֜ה הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית שִׁפְחַ֥ת שָׂרָ֖ה לְאַבְרָהָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse introduces the genealogy of Yishmael, the son of Avraham, emphasizing his lineage through Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. This sets the stage for understanding Yishmael's role in the broader narrative of Avraham's descendants.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Genesis 25:12) notes that the Torah first concludes the story of Sarah and her descendants (Isaac) before detailing Yishmael's lineage. This sequence teaches that Yishmael repented during Avraham's lifetime, as evidenced by his being mentioned respectfully as "Avraham’s son." Rashi also highlights that Hagar is referred to as "Sarah’s handmaid" to remind us of her original status, underscoring the humility of her position despite bearing Avraham’s son.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 10:7) discusses the status of Yishmael's descendants in halachah. While Yishmael is recognized as Avraham’s son, the covenant and inheritance are specifically through Isaac. This verse serves as a foundation for understanding the distinction between the children of the covenant (Isaac) and the other descendants of Avraham.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (61:4): The Midrash explains that the phrase "whom Hagar the Egyptian bore" emphasizes Hagar's origins to contrast her with Sarah, who was of noble lineage. This distinction reinforces the idea that the primary covenant would continue through Sarah’s son, Isaac.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 1): The Midrash teaches that Yishmael’s repentance is hinted at in this verse, as it mentions him respectfully as "Avraham’s son." This suggests that despite his earlier flaws, Yishmael ultimately honored his father.

Halachic Implications

The verse also has halachic significance regarding the status of Yishmael's descendants. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 59b) discusses how Yishmael, as Avraham’s son, has a share in certain mitzvot given to Avraham, such as circumcision. However, the covenant of the Land of Israel and the spiritual legacy are uniquely tied to Isaac.

Conclusion

This verse serves as a bridge between the narratives of Isaac and Yishmael, highlighting their shared lineage while also delineating their distinct roles in Avraham’s legacy. The Orthodox Jewish tradition views Yishmael with respect as Avraham’s son but maintains the primacy of Isaac in the covenantal line.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 69b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the lineage and descendants of Yishma'el, particularly in relation to Avraham's family.
📖 Megillah 14a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the generations and progeny of biblical figures, highlighting the significance of Yishma'el's lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention the descendants of Yishmael?
A: The Torah mentions Yishmael's descendants to show that Avraham's blessings extended to all his children, even though the main covenant continued through Yitzchak (Isaac). Rashi explains that this section emphasizes Yishmael's importance as Avraham's son, despite not being the primary heir of the covenant.
Q: Why is Hagar called 'Sarah's handmaid' in this verse?
A: The Torah refers to Hagar as 'Sarah's handmaid' to remind us of her original status before bearing Yishmael. Ramban notes that this phrasing reinforces that Yishmael's lineage, while significant, was not the same as Yitzchak's, who came from Sarah, Avraham's primary wife.
Q: What can we learn from the way the Torah introduces Yishmael's lineage?
A: The Torah teaches us the importance of recognizing all of Avraham's descendants while clarifying the distinction between Yishmael and Yitzchak. The Midrash highlights that even though Yishmael was not the chosen heir, he was still blessed due to Avraham's merit, showing that Hashem honors the righteous and their families.
Q: Why does the Torah call Yishmael 'Avraham's son' specifically here?
A: By calling Yishmael 'Avraham's son,' the Torah acknowledges his lineage while subtly distinguishing him from Yitzchak, who is later called 'Avraham's only son' (in the context of the Akeidah). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) explains that Avraham's love was primarily directed toward Yitzchak, the son of the promise.