Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Timna in Genesis 36:12?
A: Timna was a concubine of Elifaz, the son of Esav (Esau). According to Rashi and the Midrash (Sanhedrin 99b), she was originally a princess who sought to convert and join the family of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. When rejected, she became associated with Esav's family instead.
Q: Why is Amalek mentioned in Genesis 36:12?
A: Amalek, the ancestor of the Amalekites, was born from the union of Timna and Elifaz. The Torah mentions him here because Amalek later became a bitter enemy of the Jewish people (as seen in Exodus 17). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:13) teaches that this lineage shows how negative influences can emerge even from noble families like Esav's.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Timna's story in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) explains that Timna's rejection by the righteous families led her to join Esav's household, which ultimately produced Amalek. This teaches the importance of welcoming sincere converts (gerim) with kindness, as exclusion can have long-term consequences.
Q: Why does the Torah list Esav's descendants in detail?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 36:1) explains that listing Esav's descendants shows they were significant enough to become kings and rulers (as described later in the chapter). This fulfills Yitzchak's blessing to Esav (Genesis 27:40) that he would live by the sword and have temporary greatness before Yaakov's descendants ultimately prevail.
Q: How does Genesis 36:12 connect to later Jewish history?
A: This verse introduces Amalek, whose descendants attacked the Israelites after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4-5) explains that the Torah commands us to remember and oppose Amalek's evil, teaching us to stand against cruelty and those who target the Jewish people.
Introduction to the Verse
The verse (Genesis 36:12) describes Timna as the concubine of Elifaz, the son of Esav (Esau), and mentions that she bore Amalek. This passage is part of the genealogy of Esav's descendants, which includes both his wives and concubines. The mention of Amalek is particularly significant, as the Amalekites later become one of Israel's greatest enemies.
Timna's Background
Rashi, citing the Midrash (Sanhedrin 99b), explains that Timna was originally a princess who sought to join the family of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. However, when she was rejected, she chose to become a concubine to Elifaz rather than remain a princess among the nations. This teaches the importance of not rejecting sincere converts, as her descendants (Amalek) later caused great suffering to the Jewish people.
The Significance of Amalek
The birth of Amalek from this union is of great theological importance. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4) emphasizes that Amalek represents the archetype of evil and cruelty, and the Torah commands us to remember their deeds and eradicate their memory (Devarim 25:17-19). The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Teitzei 9) explains that Amalek's hatred for Israel stems from this rejected lineage, as Timna was turned away from joining Bnei Yisrael.
Lessons from the Verse
Esav's Descendants and Their Role
The inclusion of Timna and Amalek in Esav's genealogy underscores the complex relationship between Esav's lineage and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Megillah 6a) teaches that Esav's descendants were given worldly power (Edom/Rome) as a temporary measure, but ultimately, the righteous (Yaakov's descendants) will prevail. The birth of Amalek is a pivotal moment in this dynamic, setting the stage for future conflicts.