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Genesis 21:2 - Divine promise fulfilled miraculously

Genesis 21:2 - בראשית 21:2

Hebrew Text

וַתַּהַר וַתֵּלֶד שָׂרָה לְאַבְרָהָם בֵּן לִזְקֻנָיו לַמּוֹעֵד אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים׃

English Translation

For Sara conceived, and bore Avraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Transliteration

Va'tahar va'teled Sarah le'Avraham ben lizkunav lamo'ed asher diber oto Elohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֩הַר֩ וַתֵּ֨לֶד שָׂרָ֧ה לְאַבְרָהָ֛ם בֵּ֖ן לִזְקֻנָ֑יו לַמּוֹעֵ֕ד אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים׃
וַתַּ֩הַר֩ וַתֵּ֨לֶד שָׂרָ֧ה לְאַבְרָהָ֛ם בֵּ֖ן לִזְקֻנָ֑יו לַמּוֹעֵ֕ד אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Miracle of Yitzchak's Birth

The verse (Bereishit 21:2) describes the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham and Sarah with the birth of Yitzchak. Rashi emphasizes that this was a supernatural event, as Sarah had been physically incapable of bearing children (as stated earlier in Bereishit 18:11). The phrase "לַמּוֹעֵד אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים" ("at the set time of which God had spoken") underscores the precision of Divine providence.

Significance of "לִזְקֻנָיו" (In His Old Age)

The Ramban explains that the mention of Avraham's advanced age serves two purposes:

  • It highlights the miraculous nature of the birth, as both parents were beyond normal childbearing years
  • It demonstrates that Yitzchak was unquestionably Avraham's biological son, countering any potential claims that the child might have been adopted

The Divine Schedule

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 53:2) notes that the phrase "לַמּוֹעֵד" refers to Pesach, connecting Yitzchak's birth to the future redemption from Egypt. This teaches that major events in Jewish history follow a precise Divine timetable.

Sarah's Unique Role

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) points out that the verse mentions Sarah conceiving before stating she bore a child, unlike the pattern with other matriarchs. This teaches that Sarah's pregnancy was openly evident to all, serving as public testimony to the miracle.

Theological Implications

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) discusses how this event established Avraham and Sarah as true prophets, as their prophecy was fulfilled exactly as predicted. This became foundational for the Jewish understanding of true prophecy versus false claims.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles associated with the birth of Isaac, emphasizing the divine promise and its fulfillment.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the timing of Isaac's birth, linking it to the divine promise and the concept of 'moed' (appointed time).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Sarah able to have a child in her old age?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Sarah's pregnancy at an advanced age was a miracle performed by Hashem to fulfill His promise to Avraham. This demonstrated that nothing is impossible for Hashem and reinforced the special relationship between Avraham, Sarah, and Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'at the set time' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11a) explains that 'the set time' refers to the exact moment Hashem had predetermined for Yitzchak's birth - on Pesach. This teaches us that Hashem's promises are fulfilled with precise divine timing.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Avraham was old when Yitzchak was born?
A: The Rambam explains that this detail highlights the miraculous nature of Yitzchak's birth, as both Avraham and Sarah were past normal childbearing age. This miracle established Yitzchak as a special child destined to continue Avraham's legacy and the covenant with Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sarah giving birth in her old age?
A: The Midrash teaches that this event shows Hashem rewards those who have faith. After decades of waiting and maintaining belief in Hashem's promise, Avraham and Sarah were blessed with a child. This teaches us the power of patience and trust in Hashem's plan.
Q: Why is Yitzchak's birth mentioned differently than Yishmael's birth?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah describes Yitzchak's birth with special language ('at the set time') to emphasize he was the child of prophecy and the continuation of Avraham's spiritual legacy, unlike Yishmael who was born through natural means earlier. This distinction is important for understanding Jewish lineage.