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Genesis 25:6 - Avraham's concubine sons' mysterious gifts

Genesis 25:6 - בראשית 25:6

Hebrew Text

וְלִבְנֵי הַפִּילַגְשִׁים אֲשֶׁר לְאַבְרָהָם נָתַן אַבְרָהָם מַתָּנֹת וַיְשַׁלְּחֵם מֵעַל יִצְחָק בְּנוֹ בְּעוֹדֶנּוּ חַי קֵדְמָה אֶל־אֶרֶץ קֶדֶם׃

English Translation

But to the sons of the concubines, which Avraham had, Avraham gave gifts, and sent them away from his son, while he yet lived, eastward, to the east country.

Transliteration

Velivnei hapilagshim asher le'Avraham natan Avraham matanot vay'shal'chem me'al Yitzchak b'no b'odenu chai kedma el-eretz kedem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלִבְנֵ֤י הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם נָתַ֥ן אַבְרָהָ֖ם מַתָּנֹ֑ת וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֞ם מֵעַ֨ל יִצְחָ֤ק בְּנוֹ֙ בְּעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חַ֔י קֵ֖דְמָה אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ קֶֽדֶם׃
וְלִבְנֵ֤י הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם נָתַ֥ן אַבְרָהָ֖ם מַתָּנֹ֑ת וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֞ם מֵעַ֨ל יִצְחָ֤ק בְּנוֹ֙ בְּעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חַ֔י קֵ֖דְמָה אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ קֶֽדֶם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Status of the Sons of the Concubines

According to Rashi (Bereshit 25:6), the "concubines" (פִּילַגְשִׁים) mentioned here refer to Hagar and Keturah. While Hagar was originally Sarah's maidservant (as per Bereshit 16:1), Keturah was a wife Avraham took after Sarah's passing (Bereshit 25:1). The term "concubines" indicates a secondary marital status compared to Sarah, who was his primary wife.

The Nature of the Gifts

The Ramban (Bereshit 25:6) explains that the "gifts" (מַתָּנֹת) Avraham gave to these sons were material possessions but not the inheritance of the covenant. This aligns with the principle that only Yitzchak was designated as the spiritual heir (Bereshit 21:12). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 61:7) suggests these gifts may have included mystical knowledge or blessings, but not the rights of the firstborn.

The Purpose of Sending Them Eastward

Rashi notes that Avraham sent them away during his lifetime to prevent any future claims against Yitzchak's inheritance. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) discusses how Avraham acted prudently to avoid conflict between his sons, as seen later in the rivalry between Yaakov and Esav. The "east country" (אֶרֶץ קֶדֶם) refers to lands like Arabia, where their descendants (such as the Midianites) later settled.

Halachic Implications

  • The Rambam (Hilchos Nachalos 6:11) cites this verse as proof that a father may distribute property to some children during his lifetime while reserving the primary inheritance for another.
  • The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 281:7) references this precedent in discussing inheritance laws, emphasizing Avraham's proactive measures to prevent disputes.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 25:6) highlights that Avraham's actions demonstrate the separation between the physical and spiritual lineages. While all his sons received material blessings, only Yitzchak carried the covenant. This foreshadows the Jewish people's unique role, as later affirmed in Devarim 7:6-7.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the sons of the concubines that Avraham sent away?
A: The sons of the concubines were other children Avraham had besides Yitzchak (Isaac). According to Rashi and the Midrash, these were children born to Hagar after she was no longer Sarah's maidservant (and thus considered a concubine) and also children from another wife named Keturah (see Genesis 25:1-4). Avraham sent them away to avoid conflicts over inheritance.
Q: Why did Avraham send his other sons away while he was still alive?
A: Avraham sent them away to ensure that Yitzchak would be the clear inheritor of the covenant and blessings, as promised by Hashem (Genesis 17:19). The Ramban explains that this was to prevent disputes and maintain peace, as Avraham wanted Yitzchak to be the sole spiritual heir without interference from his other children.
Q: What were the 'gifts' Avraham gave to the sons of the concubines?
A: Rashi explains that these gifts were not material wealth but rather 'a name of impurity'—meaning knowledge of idolatry or mystical arts (based on Talmud Sanhedrin 91a). Alternatively, the Ramban suggests they were material possessions, ensuring they could establish themselves elsewhere without needing to return.
Q: Why did Avraham send them eastward to the 'east country'?
A: The 'east country' refers to lands like Arabia or Mesopotamia. Sending them eastward ensured physical and spiritual separation from Yitzchak, who remained in Canaan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 61:7) connects this to later nations (like the Arab peoples) who trace lineage to these sons.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham sending away his other sons?
A: This teaches the importance of clarity in spiritual legacy. Avraham ensured that Yitzchak, the child of the covenant, would not be distracted by competing claims. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) also sees this as a lesson in preventing strife by making difficult but necessary decisions for the sake of future harmony.