Ishmael and Isaac: Sibling Friends and Parents of Peace

In this paper, I discuss the adult sibling friendship between two biblical figures, Ishmael and Isaac. Their relationship embodies three characteristics highlighted in contemporary psychological literature. Successful sibling friends make time to enjoy each other’s company. They are mindful of how parents affect their dynamic. And they give each other permission to change. A close reading of Genesis 16-28, enhanced by Midrash Genesis Rabbah, shows these characteristics at play in Isaac and Ishmael’s relationship. Adult Isaac visits Ishmael and eventually chooses to live near his brother. After similar experiences with paternal violence, Ishmael and Isaac support one another. And, after becoming parents, the brothers encourage their children to marry. One purpose of my analysis is to highlight sibling friendship. Another is to suggest homiletic directions for discussing traditions of peace between Jews and Muslims.