“She bore him Zimran, and Yokshan, and Medan, and Midyan, and Yishbak, and Shuaḥ” (Genesis 25:2). “Yokshan begot Sheva and Dedan; and the sons of Dedan were Ashurim, Letushim, and Le’umim” (Genesis 25:3). Rami bar Yeḥezkel said: Zimran – [he was called this] because they [his descendants] would “prune [mezamrin]” the world [of its inhabitants];23They were fierce warriors and killed many people. Yokshan – because they acted with ferocity [mitkashin] in the world.
The Rabbis said: Zimran – because they would sing praises [mezamrin] in idol worship; Yokshan – because they would bang [makshin] on the drum for idol worship. “Yokshan begot Sheva and Dedan…[Ashurim, Letushim, and Le’umim]” – Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said: Although the Aramaic translators say [for these last three names]: Merchants, iron workers, and heads of nations, they were [in fact] all heads of nations.