Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham pray for Avimelech?
A: Avraham prayed for Avimelech because he had taken Sarah, thinking she was Avraham's sister. When God punished Avimelech by closing the wombs of his household, Avraham interceded to heal them (Rashi on Genesis 20:17). This shows Avraham's compassion, even for someone who wronged him.
Q: What does this verse teach us about prayer?
A: This verse teaches that prayer has the power to bring healing and change Divine decrees. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) explains that even when suffering is decreed upon someone, sincere prayer can overturn the decree. Avraham's prayer demonstrates how a righteous person's prayers can help others.
Q: Why was Avimelech's household unable to have children?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 20:18), God had 'closed up every womb' in Avimelech's household as punishment for taking Sarah. This was a temporary affliction meant to show Avimelech that Sarah was actually Avraham's wife and to prevent him from sinning with her.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham praying for his enemy?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:13) highlights that Avraham prayed for Avimelech despite their conflict, teaching us the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Even when others wrong us, we should seek their wellbeing, as this reflects God's mercy.
Q: How does this verse show God's relationship with Avraham?
A: This verse demonstrates the special connection between Avraham and God. God listened to Avraham's prayer immediately, showing that Avraham had earned great merit (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:15). It also establishes that prophets can intercede through prayer on behalf of others.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 20:17) follows the incident where Avimelekh, king of Gerar, took Sarah, believing her to be Avraham's sister. Hashem intervened by appearing to Avimelekh in a dream, warning him of the consequences of taking a married woman. As a result, Avimelekh and his household were stricken with infertility until Avraham prayed for them.
Avraham's Prayer and Its Significance
Rashi explains that Avraham's prayer demonstrates his righteousness and compassion. Despite Avimelekh's wrongdoing, Avraham did not hold a grudge but instead interceded on his behalf. This aligns with Avraham's characteristic trait of chesed (lovingkindness) and his role as a spiritual leader who seeks to bring blessing to others.
The Healing of Avimelekh's Household
The Ramban notes that the healing was not merely physical but also spiritual. The term "וַיִּרְפָּא" (and He healed) implies a restoration of their reproductive capabilities, which had been blocked due to Divine decree. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 52:13) adds that this miracle served as a testimony to Avimelekh and his people of Hashem's power and Avraham's unique relationship with Him.
Lessons from the Verse