1)

Sarah said that Avraham was old (18:12). Why did HaSh-m quote her as having said that she was old?

1.

Rashi: To avoid friction between Avraham and Sarah, 1 since to say that one's husband is old 2 and cannot have children can be hurtful. 3

2.

Ramban, Rashbam, Moshav Zekenim, Da'as Zekenim: "Ani Zakanti" is synonymous with "Acharei Belosi Hayesah Li Ednah," so HaSh-m told the absolute truth. HaSh-m did hold back part of the truth, in that He said "va'Ani Zakanti," and not "va'Ani va'Adoni Zekenim."


1

We learn from here that one is permitted to lie for the sake of peace.

2

Da'as Zekenim: I.e. he does not ejaculate.

3

Moshav Zekenim, Da'as Zekenim, Hadar Zekenim: We can say that HaSh-m totally deviated. Sarah saw a sign of returning to her youth (Dam Nidah), but she could not believe that Avraham would be able to father a child.

2)

Why did HaSh-m take Sarah to task for laughing, but not Avraham, who laughed too (17:17)?

1.

Ramban: Because Avraham's external laughter was one of joy, 1 whereas that of Sarah, who laughed 'in her heart,' was a laugh of mockery. 2

2.

Moshav Zekenim: Sarah publicized the predicted miracle among her neighbors. It was proper not to fulfill it, for HaSh-m prefers doing miracles covertly. She then denied (the predicted miracle), for she feared lest (due to the publicity) it not be fulfilled. Avraham prostrated when he heard, amidst gratitude.


1

Refer to 17:17:1:1; refer to 17:17:1:1 2

.

3

Moshav Zekenim: The prefix Hei ("hal'Ven Me'ah...") shows astonishment at the miracle. Without the Hei (Acharei Belosi...) is mockery, like "Hinei HaSh-m Oseh Arubos ba'Shamayim" (Melachim II 7:2).

3)

Seeing as Sarah did not know that the guests were angels (as the Ramban explained in the previous Pasuk), why did HaSh-m take her to task?

1.

Ramban: Because she mocked the suggestion that she would have children. She should have believed that it was possible, or have responded with 'Amen!'

4)

Who reprimanded Sarah?

1.

Rashbam: It was the angel speaking in the name of HaSh-m. 1


1

According to the other commentaries, it was HaSh-m Himself who addressed Avraham.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

5)

Rashi writes: "'And I have become old' - The verse alters [Sarah's words] for the sake of peace, for she had actually said, 'My husband is old.'" But Sarah did in fact say, "After I have wrinkled, will I yet be rejuvenated?" (18:12). In other words, the verse merely selects which of her words to report; how can this serve as a source that one can alter a person's words for the sake of peace?

1.

Gur Aryeh: Sarah only laughed due to the combination of both reasons - that she had aged, and also that her husband was old. Had there been but one factor, she would not have laughed. HaSh-m told Avraham that she laughed over the factor of her aging alone; and that is our Sages' source that one may alter the truth for the sake of peace (see Bava Metzia 87a).

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