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CHAYEI SARAH / "Life of Sarah"
14 Nov 2009
Genesis 23:1-25:18
1 Kings 1:1-31
1 Corinthians 15:50-57
This Parashah begins with the death of Sarah at 127 years of age. Abraham
purchases the Machpelah cave from Ephron, the Hittite, for 400 shekels of
silver so he can own the area.
Abraham sends his servant, Eliezer, to Charan to find a wife for Isaac
among his relatives. He did not want his son to intermarry with the
ungodly people of Canaan. Eliezer asked HaShem for a sign to be able to
choose the right girl for his master, Isaac. After receiving the sign, he
takes Rebecca back to Isaac, after a lengthy stay with the mishpocha of
Abraham. The Parashah continues with the statement that Isaac was
comforted, consoled, after the death of his mother.
In chapter 25, the family history continues stating that Abraham marries
Keturah and fathers six more sons. He then sends them east before his
death, at the ripe old age of 175. He is buried alongside Sarah in the
cave of Machpelah. The twelve sons of Ishmael and his death at the age of
137 are then mentioned.
It’s fascinating how the scriptures here speak of the death of one in
order to take us to the life of another. Sarah, the mother of Isaac, is
spoken of in the Bible as not only the mother of Isaac; but also of all
who G-d considers righteous Isaiah 51:1-2; tells us “listen to me, you
who pursue righteousness, you who seek the L-rd; Look to the rock from
which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to
Abraham your father and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain.” Abraham
was a guide for us as how we need to live and trust HaShem and Sarah was
his princess (Hebrews 11:11-13). Her faith should encourage all of us to
endure (James 1:12). We need to increase our faith to be steadfast in all
the tests that are presented before us. This will lead us to the crown of
righteousness that the Righteous Judge, Himself, shall give to us at His
appearance; (1 Peter 4:8).
Shalom U’Bracha
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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