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Genesis 25:14 - Ishmael's twelve tribal founders

Genesis 25:14 - בראשית 25:14

Hebrew Text

וּמִשְׁמָע וְדוּמָה וּמַשָּׂא׃

English Translation

and Mishma, and Duma, and Massa,

Transliteration

Umishma v'duma umasa

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִשְׁמָ֥ע וְדוּמָ֖ה וּמַשָּֽׂא׃
וּמִשְׁמָ֥ע וְדוּמָ֖ה וּמַשָּֽׂא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse "וּמִשְׁמָע וְדוּמָה וּמַשָּׂא" (and Mishma, and Duma, and Massa) appears in Genesis 25:14 as part of the list of the twelve sons of Yishmael. These names are significant both literally and homiletically, as names in the Torah often carry deeper meanings or allusions to future events.

Literal Meaning

According to Rashi, these names are simply the names of Yishmael's sons, as recorded in the Torah. The verse serves to enumerate the descendants of Yishmael, fulfilling the promise made to Hagar that Yishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 21:18).

Homiletical Interpretations

  • Mishma (מִשְׁמָע): The name can be derived from the root שָׁמַע (to hear). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:7) suggests that this name alludes to the concept of hearing—either the hearing of divine decrees or the obedience of Yishmael's descendants.
  • Duma (דוּמָה): This name is connected to the word דּוּמִיָּה (silence). The Ramban notes that it may hint at the eventual silence or decline of Yishmael's lineage in contrast to the enduring legacy of Yitzchak's descendants.
  • Massa (מַשָּׂא): Derived from the root נָשָׂא (to carry or bear), this name is interpreted by Rabbeinu Bachya as symbolizing the burdens or conflicts that Yishmael's descendants would impose upon the world, particularly in relation to the Jewish people.

Historical and Prophetic Context

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) and later commentators, such as the Malbim, explain that the names of Yishmael's sons also foreshadow historical events. For example, Duma is later associated with the land of the dead (Tehillim 115:17), suggesting a connection to mortality or judgment. Meanwhile, Massa is linked to the concept of prophecy (as in מַשָּׂא דְבַר ה'—the burden of the word of Hashem), implying that Yishmael's descendants would play a role in the unfolding of divine plans.

Conclusion

While the verse appears to be a simple genealogical record, Orthodox Jewish tradition finds deeper layers of meaning in these names—reflecting themes of divine justice, historical destiny, and the contrast between the legacies of Yishmael and Yitzchak.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are Mishma, Duma, and Massa in Genesis 25:14?
A: Mishma, Duma, and Massa were three of the twelve sons of Yishmael (Ishmael) listed in Genesis 25:12-16. According to Rashi, these names represent both individuals and places where their descendants settled. The Torah lists them to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that Yishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 17:20).
Q: Why does the Torah list Yishmael's descendants in Genesis 25?
A: The Torah lists Yishmael's descendants to show how Hashem kept His promise to Avraham that Yishmael would father twelve princes and become a great nation (Genesis 17:20). The Ramban explains that this listing also establishes the distinction between Yitzchak's line (the chosen lineage) and Yishmael's line, while acknowledging Yishmael's importance as Avraham's son.
Q: What is the significance of the name 'Massa' in Genesis 25:14?
A: The name 'Massa' (מַשָּׂא) in Hebrew can mean 'burden' or 'prophecy.' The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:7) connects this to the future relationship between Yishmael's descendants and the Jewish people, suggesting it hints at the burdens they would impose. However, some commentators like the Malbim explain it simply as a proper name without deeper meaning.