The Portion of Vayeira
Genesis 18:1-22:24
Our portion continues the story of Abraham as he establishes the foundation for the Jewish nation. Having circumcised himself at God’s command, he now encounters three visitors as he recuperates. Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed in this portion, and Abraham and Sarah find themselves sojourning in Gerar. The birth of Isaac is recorded in this portion, and Ishmael is forced to leave. Abraham signs a peace treaty, and finally, the portion ends with the binding of Isaac.
I beleive that ages at those times were completely different compared to our times. YHVH reduced the living years of humans to 120 the most; and the salms mention from 70 to 80 years of age.I
Lately, there were news that a couple – 77 and 78- had had a baby in India.
There is nothing impossible for our dear Father in Heaven.
Abraham was overjoyed through his faith-given-belief while Sarah was skeptical given her lack of faith.
I think that Avraham’s laughter is from a painful background because he , up to that time , had not been capable to force a son out of his own capacity. It also was a laugh of relief: G-d had thought about the promise and here it was said. Sarah laughed out of unbelief. Not going the way of women, and old. And staying behind the curtain to hide her unbelief, just like Adam & Chawa hid after sinning in Gan Eden.
I wonder…El Olam as pointed out which could hint to meaning The God of that which is hidden…maybe Abraham knew of Hagar's testimony of how God revealed to her a well for water after He heard the lad? God revealed a well that was hidden. Just wondering since she went to the wilderness of Beersheba and he lived in Beersheba.
It could be that Abraham laughed for joy whereas Sarah laughed cynically.
As Jesse says Abraham laughed out loud but Sarah laughed in her mind and then denied it.
With God it’s not just the action it’s the mental intent behind it.
True.
Gen:18:12-15 —- Sarah out of the fear of the lord lied about her laughter when she overheard the conversation between Abraham and the Lord as she looked only at the natural situation and seemed blinded to the word of the Lord —- is anything impossible for the Lord?Gen 17:17 indicates that Abraham laughed as all this seemed incredible —- however his faith was growing through the encounters with the Lord. The miracle birth came and-Abraham named his promised son Isaac — laughter— v6 indicates that Sarah’s laughter is now turned to joy — God has made me laugh — indicating her heart has changed as the long awaited and promised son was now a reality.
Great suggestion! Yitzchak is actually the future tense in Hebrew — He WILL laugh. Perhaps his name is also a type of prediction of suffering turning to joy, just as Sarah’s did?
Abraham laughed out loud and curiously wanted to know how such a thing could happen, yet believing that it would be possible. It was said of Sarah that she “laughed in herself” (Gen 18:12) and quite possibly thought that such a thing couldn’t come to pass.
Good point.
I have to agree with Jesse's point here again as I have the sense that Sarah's laughter came from a point of unbelief and she is embarrassed when Elohim calls her out on it.
Baruch Hashem.
Yes, I too agree.
I think it strange that we read about Abraham not being able to father a child and then after Sarah died Abraham remarried and had six children.??