Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the angel speaking to in Genesis 16:10?
A: The angel is speaking to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, after she fled from Sarah's harsh treatment. This occurs when Hagar is pregnant with Ishmael (Rashi on Genesis 16:7).
Q: What does it mean that Hagar's descendants will be too numerous to count?
A: This is a divine promise that Hagar's offspring (through Ishmael) will become a great nation. Similar blessings were given to Abraham and Jacob, showing G-d's plan for multiple nations to descend from Abraham's family (Ramban on Genesis 16:10).
Q: Why is this blessing important in the Torah?
A: It shows that even though Ishmael wasn't the child of promise (that would be Isaac), G-d still cared for Hagar and had plans for her descendants. This teaches that G-d's compassion extends beyond our expectations (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 45:9).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish tradition today?
A: It reminds us that all people are under G-d's providence. While Isaac's line was chosen for a special covenant, Judaism recognizes that other nations also have their role in G-d's plan (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 12:1).
Q: What can we learn from how the angel treated Hagar?
A: We learn about showing kindness to those in distress. Even though Hagar was a maidservant, the angel addressed her with respect and gave her hope. This teaches the Jewish value of treating all people with dignity (Talmud, Bava Metzia 58b).
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 16:10) appears in the narrative of Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, after she flees from Sarah's presence. The angel of Hashem finds her in the wilderness and delivers this promise regarding her descendants. The language echoes earlier divine promises to Avraham (Bereshit 13:16, 15:5), suggesting a connection between the destinies of Yitzchak's lineage and Yishmael's lineage.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה" ("I will multiply exceedingly") uses a doubled verb form to emphasize the magnitude of the blessing. He notes that this mirrors the language used in the blessing to Avraham (Bereshit 22:17), indicating that Yishmael's descendants would also become numerous, though distinct from the chosen line of Yitzchak.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:42), Rambam discusses angelic communication as a form of divine prophecy. Here, the angel speaks as a divine messenger, conveying Hashem's promise. The assurance of innumerable offspring aligns with the broader theme in Sefer Bereshit of divine providence shaping the destiny of nations.
Midrashic Interpretation
Bereishit Rabbah (45:9) comments on the phrase "וְלֹא יִסָּפֵר מֵרֹב" ("that it shall not be numbered for multitude"). The Midrash contrasts this with the promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars - while both are innumerable, Yisrael's blessing is celestial (stars = spiritual elevation), while Yishmael's is terrestrial (sand = physical multitude).
Halachic Implications
Linguistic Analysis
Ibn Ezra observes that the verb "אַרְבֶּה" appears in the imperfect tense, suggesting an ongoing, progressive multiplication rather than a one-time event. This aligns with the historical reality of Arab nations descending from Yishmael proliferating across generations.