1)

Why does the Torah insert the (otherwise superfluous) word "u?Venei D?dan Hayu Ashurim, Letushim and Le'umim"?

1.

Ramban (citing Targum Onkelos) 1 and Targum Yonasan: Because "Ashurim, Letushim and Le'umim" are not merely names of heads of nations but ?caravan camps? (that go from city to city) ?nomads? who lived in tents, and ?islanders? (or people who live in uninhabited locations), respectively 2 (or merchants, craftsmen and heads of state, respectively - Targum Yonasan and Bereishis Rabah).

1

See Rashi, who also cites Targum Onkelos.

2

Rashi rejects this explanation however. See Ramban. Ha'amek Davar: they were called by their actions, because they were important nations only for a few generations.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

2)

Rashi writes: "'Ashurim, Letushim' - These are names of the heads of nations." Why not explain as names of individuals (which happen to be in plural form; e.g. "Kitim, Dodanim" (10:4))?

1.

Gur Aryeh: The word "Hayu" seems to be extra; "The sons of Dedan were Ashurim etc." It shows that these were the ancestors of nations by these names, not merely individuals.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & Donations • Readers' Feedback • Mailing Lists • Talmud Archives • Ask the Kollel • Dafyomi Weblinks • Dafyomi Calendar • Other Yomi calendars