JERUSALEM – ISHMAEL vs ISAAC – COVENANT of CIRCUMCISION

RIGHT to ERETZ YISRAEL
 ISHMAEL, ISAAC – THE COVENANT of CIRCUMCISION

The Zohar on Vaera

The Zohar comments on the difference between Isaac’s and Ishmael’s right to the Land based on the different way each performs the covenant. Unlike Isaac who performs both the external “milah” and internal “priyah” described above, Ishmael performs only the external “milah”. 

This teaches that Ishmael’s connection to the covenant is only superficial and secondary — entitling him to custodianship (not ownership) over the Land only during Israel’s absence. Furthermore, this secondary claim must give way to the Jewish People’s primary and inner bond to the Land of Israel. Thus the Zohar states so long ago, 

“In the future, the children of Ishmael, whose circumcision is empty and incomplete, will rule over the Land of Israel when it is desolate and uninhabited. And they will hinder the Jews’ return to Israel until Ishmael’s merit runs out and the Jews will return” 

(Parshat Va’era 32a). (Ohr.edu)