[Avodah] 70 nations

[Saul Mashbaum]

RNYedid:
>>
I heard a while back that there are two "sets" of 70 nations; one from
Noach and one from Esav and Ishmael. Any sources on this?

>>

See R Eliyahu Kitov's Sefer HaTodaah, Vol I p 215 (in the 3 volume edition )
"Yishmael V'Eisav" in the chapter "Chag HaSuccot". He cites the
"Chiddushei ubeurei haGra" (?) to Succa 55b. The 70 nations derive
from Noach,  but there is a kabbalistic concept, from the Ari, that
"all 70 nations draw sustenance from the descendants of Avraham - 35
are connected to Yishmael, and 35 to Eisav". In a  facinating passage,
REK explains the 70 parei hachag on this basis, ayen sham.

Saul Mashbaum