Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Torah mention Avraham's age when Yitzchak was born?
A: The Torah mentions Avraham was 100 years old when Yitzchak was born to emphasize the miracle of his birth. Both Avraham and Sarah were past normal childbearing age, showing that Yitzchak's birth was a direct result of Hashem's promise (Rashi on Genesis 17:17).
Q: What is the significance of Avraham being 100 years old when Yitzchak was born?
A: Our sages teach that Avraham was exactly 100 years old (and Sarah 90) to show that Yitzchak's birth was supernatural. At this age, it was naturally impossible for them to have children, proving that Yitzchak was truly a 'child of promise' from Hashem (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 53:5).
Q: How does Yitzchak's birth at Avraham's old age teach us about faith?
A: This event teaches us about complete trust in Hashem. Avraham and Sarah waited decades for a child, yet never lost faith in Hashem's promise. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) explains this as an example of how we should maintain belief even when things seem impossible.
Q: Why is Yitzchak's birth at this age important for Jewish history?
A: Yitzchak's miraculous birth established him as the rightful heir to Avraham's legacy and the covenant with Hashem. The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) explains that this proved Yitzchak was chosen by Hashem to continue the Jewish people, unlike Avraham's other children.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Avraham having Yitzchak at 100?
A: This teaches us that Hashem's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't match human expectations. As the Sforno explains, this miracle shows that when Hashem makes a promise, He will fulfill it in His perfect time, regardless of natural limitations.
The Significance of Avraham's Age at Yitzchak's Birth
The verse states that Avraham was 100 years old when Yitzchak was born. Rashi (Bereshit 17:17) notes that this emphasizes the miraculous nature of Yitzchak's birth, as Avraham and Sarah were well beyond natural childbearing years. The Torah highlights Avraham's age to demonstrate that Yitzchak's birth was entirely through divine intervention, fulfilling Hashem's promise (Bereshit 17:16).
Numerical Symbolism in Avraham's Age
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 53:8) points out that the numerical value (gematria) of the word "מאה" (one hundred) is significant. The letter "ק" (kuf) has a value of 100, representing holiness (kedushah), as it is the first letter of "קדוש" (holy). This hints that Yitzchak's birth was a sanctified event, marking the continuation of Avraham's spiritual legacy.
Contrast with Yishmael's Birth
Ramban (Bereshit 17:17) contrasts this verse with Yishmael's birth when Avraham was 86 years old. The 14-year gap underscores that Yitzchak was the child of promise, born through divine will rather than natural means. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) also notes that Sarah's miraculous conception paralleled the renewal of the world, as both required divine intervention beyond nature.
Theological Implications