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Genesis 18:11 - Can miracles defy nature?

Genesis 18:11 - בראשית 18:11

Hebrew Text

וְאַבְרָהָם וְשָׂרָה זְקֵנִים בָּאִים בַּיָּמִים חָדַל לִהְיוֹת לְשָׂרָה אֹרַח כַּנָּשִׁים׃

English Translation

Now Avraham and Sara were old, advanced in age; and it had ceased to be with Sara after the manner of women.

Transliteration

Ve'Avraham ve'Sarah zkenim ba'im ba'yamim, chadal lihyot le'Sarah orach ka'nashim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַבְרָהָ֤ם וְשָׂרָה֙ זְקֵנִ֔ים בָּאִ֖ים בַּיָּמִ֑ים חָדַל֙ לִהְי֣וֹת לְשָׂרָ֔ה אֹ֖רַח כַּנָּשִֽׁים׃
וְאַבְרָהָ֤ם וְשָׂרָה֙ זְקֵנִ֔ים בָּאִ֖ים בַּיָּמִ֑ים חָדַל֙ לִהְי֣וֹת לְשָׂרָ֔ה אֹ֖רַח כַּנָּשִֽׁים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Advanced Age of Avraham and Sarah

The verse (Bereishit 18:11) describes Avraham and Sarah as זְקֵנִים בָּאִים בַּיָּמִים ("old, advanced in age"). Rashi explains that the phrase בָּאִים בַּיָּמִים implies that they had reached a fullness of years—their days were complete and filled with righteousness. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:1) elaborates that their aging was a sign of divine favor, as they had merited to retain their vitality and spiritual greatness even in old age.

Sarah's Cessation of the "Manner of Women"

The verse states that חָדַל לִהְיוֹת לְשָׂרָה אֹרַח כַּנָּשִׁים ("it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women"). Rashi clarifies that this refers to Sarah no longer experiencing menstruation, indicating she was past childbearing age. The Ramban adds that this emphasizes the miraculous nature of Yitzchak's birth, as Sarah was naturally incapable of conceiving at her advanced age.

  • Talmudic Insight (Bava Metzia 87a): The Gemara notes that Sarah was unique among women—while most women age and lose their beauty, Sarah retained her youthful appearance even in old age, as a reward for her righteousness.
  • Midrashic Perspective (Bereishit Rabbah 48:17): The phrase אֹרַח כַּנָּשִׁים suggests that Sarah had not only ceased menstruating but had also lost the physical signs of womanhood, making her pregnancy with Yitzchak an even greater miracle.

Spiritual Significance of Their Age

The Sforno teaches that Avraham and Sarah's advanced age was a testament to their unwavering faith. Despite natural limitations, they trusted in Hashem's promise of offspring. The Or HaChaim highlights that their aging process was reversed in certain ways—Sarah regained her youthfulness to bear Yitzchak, demonstrating that divine providence overrides nature for the righteous.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 58a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miraculous rejuvenation of Sarah, emphasizing that she regained her youthfulness despite her advanced age.
📖 Sanhedrin 107a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the merits of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting their old age and Sarah's miraculous conception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention that Sarah was old and past childbearing age?
A: The Torah emphasizes Sarah's advanced age to highlight the miracle of Yitzchak's birth. According to Rashi, this shows that both Avraham and Sarah were naturally unable to have children, making Yitzchak's birth a clear act of divine intervention (Rashi on Genesis 18:11).
Q: What does 'it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women' mean?
A: This phrase means that Sarah had reached menopause and could no longer bear children naturally. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:17) explains that Sarah's body had physically changed, making pregnancy impossible without a miracle.
Q: Why is Sarah's age important in the story of Yitzchak's birth?
A: Sarah's age underscores that Yitzchak's birth was a supernatural event. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) teaches that this demonstrates Hashem's direct involvement in fulfilling His promise to Avraham, proving that Yitzchak was truly a child of divine destiny.
Q: How does this verse teach us about faith in difficult circumstances?
A: This verse teaches that even when situations seem impossible by natural means, Hashem can bring about miracles. The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) notes that Avraham and Sarah kept their faith despite their old age, setting an example of trust in Hashem's promises.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sarah's experience for our lives today?
A: Sarah's story teaches that Hashem's plans unfold in His perfect timing, even when things seem hopeless. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 53:2) highlights that Sarah's joy at Yitzchak's birth was greater because of her earlier struggles, reminding us that challenges can lead to greater blessings.