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Genesis 25:16 - Twelve tribes' parallel destiny?

Genesis 25:16 - בראשית 25:16

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה הֵם בְּנֵי יִשְׁמָעֵאל וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמֹתָם בְּחַצְרֵיהֶם וּבְטִירֹתָם שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר נְשִׂיאִם לְאֻמֹּתָם׃

English Translation

These are the sons of Yishma᾽el, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.

Transliteration

Ele hem bnei Yishmael ve'ele shemotam bechatzerihem uvetirotam shneim-asar nes'im le'umotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֞ם בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ וְאֵ֣לֶּה שְׁמֹתָ֔ם בְּחַצְרֵיהֶ֖ם וּבְטִֽירֹתָ֑ם שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֥ר נְשִׂיאִ֖ם לְאֻמֹּתָֽם׃
אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֞ם בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ וְאֵ֣לֶּה שְׁמֹתָ֔ם בְּחַצְרֵיהֶ֖ם וּבְטִֽירֹתָ֑ם שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֥ר נְשִׂיאִ֖ם לְאֻמֹּתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Twelve Princes of Yishmael

The verse (Bereishit 25:16) lists the twelve sons of Yishmael, each becoming a prince of their own nation. Rashi explains that this fulfills Hashem's earlier promise to Hagar (Bereishit 17:20) that Yishmael would father twelve princes. The mention of their "towns" (חַצְרֵיהֶם) and "encampments" (טִירֹתָם) indicates they were both settled and nomadic, reflecting Yishmael's nature as "a wild donkey of a man" (Bereishit 16:12).

Symbolism of Twelve Princes

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:5) notes the parallel between Yishmael's twelve princes and Yaakov's twelve sons, who became the tribes of Israel. This suggests a Divine plan where both descendants of Avraham would develop into significant nations. However, while Yisrael's tribes were bound by Torah, Yishmael's descendants followed their own path.

Geographical Significance

Ramban observes that listing their dwelling places shows how Yishmael's progeny spread across vast territories, primarily in Arabia. The Ibn Ezra adds that these locations were well-known in ancient times, establishing Yishmael's historical presence in the region.

Spiritual Implications

  • The Sforno teaches that Yishmael's material success (evident in their fortified settlements) was granted so they wouldn't claim they could have accepted Torah if given the opportunity.
  • Malbim notes the term "נְשִׂיאִם" (princes) rather than kings, indicating they ruled through influence rather than formal monarchy.
  • Kli Yakar emphasizes that their development into distinct nations with separate territories shows how quickly Avraham's blessing of numerous descendants manifested.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 25:16 teach us about Yishmael's descendants?
A: Genesis 25:16 lists the twelve sons of Yishmael, who became twelve tribal leaders (נְשִׂיאִים). This shows that Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham that Yishmael would father a great nation (Genesis 17:20). Rashi explains that these twelve princes correspond to the twelve tribes of Yaakov, showing both lines of Avraham's descendants became numerous nations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Yishmael's descendants in detail?
A: The Torah details Yishmael's lineage to show that he was blessed and became a great nation, as Hashem promised (Genesis 21:13). The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 62:5) notes this demonstrates Hashem's faithfulness to His word. It also establishes the origins of nations that would interact with the Jewish people throughout history.
Q: What is the significance of the 'twelve princes' mentioned in this verse?
A: The twelve princes parallel the twelve tribes of Yaakov, showing both Yitzchak and Yishmael's lines were blessed with large families. Ramban explains this symmetry highlights how both sons of Avraham were fruitful, though the covenant continued specifically through Yitzchak. The number twelve often represents completeness in Tanach.
Q: How does this verse about Yishmael's descendants relate to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem keeps His promises, even to those not part of the Jewish covenant. As Rambam writes (Hilchos Melachim 10:7), we recognize that Yishmael's descendants (understood as Arabs) have a special relationship to Avraham. The verse teaches us to acknowledge other nations while maintaining our unique Torah path.
Q: Why does the Torah mention their 'towns and encampments'?
A: Listing their settlements shows these were established nations, not just nomadic groups. Ibn Ezra explains this emphasizes the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Yishmael would be a 'wild donkey of a man' with descendants dwelling independently (Genesis 16:12). The locations also help identify these nations in later biblical interactions.