Abraham, Ishmael & Isaac – Three Questions

Question

Since Ishmael was Abraham’s first son, then wouldn’t he be a Jew also?

When Hashem told Hagar that Ishmael would be a great nation, to what nation was Hashem referring?

Why is it when Isaac was born, Hashem referred to him as Abraham’s only son?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    1. Yes, in theory, Ishmael was Jewish. He was raised with the values and beliefs of Monotheism and our Sages teach that he kept those beliefs even after he left Abraham’s home and he did not worship idols.

    2. To what eventually became the Islamic nation.

    3. Because God instructed him that only a son born to Sarah would be considered to be his spiritual heir. As Abraham’s spiritual legacy was the only legacy of any importance to Abraham, Isaac is considered to be his “only” son.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team