Interesting Facts

• Malchuth became Ishmael’s wife after his first wife, Ribah (also called Meribah), was cast off for behaving badly in the sight of Ishmael and Abraham.
• Her marriage to Ishmael took place in the land of Canaan.
• Unlike Ishmael’s first wife, Malchuth honored Ishmael, which pleased Abraham.
• Abraham, during his second visit to Ishmael, used positive language (“The nail of the tent which thou hast is very good, do not put it away from the tent”) as a coded message to Ishmael, indicating his approval of Malchuth.

Genealogy

• Malchuth was from the land of Canaan. Her ancestry beyond that is not provided in the sources.
• She married Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar.
• She bore Ishmael eight sons: Nishma, Dumah, Masa, Chadad, Tema, Yetur, Naphish, and Kedma.
• The descendants of these sons became twelve princes according to their nations.
• The grandchildren of Ishmael through Malchuth are also listed, including the sons of Nishma, Dumah, Masa, Chadad, Tema, Yetur, Naphish, and Kedma.

Historical Context

The marriage of Ishmael to Malchuth occurred in the land of Canaan, indicating a possible shift in Ishmael’s connections and alliances after his separation from his Egyptian wife. The importance of honoring one’s husband and the approval of the patriarch (Abraham) are highlighted in the narrative, reflecting the patriarchal societal structure of the time. The birth of numerous sons to Malchuth was significant in their culture, as it ensured the continuation and growth of Ishmael’s lineage, which God had promised to make into a great nation. Abraham’s coded messages during his visits suggest a level of indirect communication and respect for the autonomy of Ishmael’s household, while still maintaining patriarchal influence. The settling and growth of Ishmael’s descendants in specific territories, forming twelve principalities, reflects the tribal and territorial organization common in ancient Near Eastern societies.

Narrative

Malchuth enters the narrative as Ishmael’s second wife, whom he married after casting away his first wife, Ribah (or Meribah), due to her bad behavior towards him and Abraham. Abraham’s initial attempt to visit Ishmael was met with disrespect from Ribah, leading Abraham to instruct Ishmael, through a coded message about a “nail of the tent,” to put her away. Three years later, Abraham visited Ishmael again and found Malchuth, who treated him with honor and hospitality, offering him food and water. This time, Abraham’s coded message to Ishmael (“The nail of the tent which thou hast is very good, do not put it away from the tent”) indicated his approval of Malchuth. Ishmael recognized his father’s approval, and the Lord blessed Ishmael. Malchuth bore Ishmael eight sons, who became the heads of twelve principalities. Her role in the narrative is primarily defined by her relationship with Ishmael and her acceptance by Abraham, contrasting with the negative portrayal of Ishmael’s first wife. Malchuth’s actions contributed to the strengthening of Ishmael’s household and the fulfillment of God’s promise to make Ishmael a great nation through his offspring. The subsequent generations of her descendants are also listed, emphasizing her importance in the lineage of Ishmael.