1)

What is the meaning of the opening phrase of the Pasuk? Why does it say "Milel," and not the more common 'Diber'?

1.

Rashi, Rashbam, Da'as Zekenim #1, Targum Onkelus and Targum Yonasan: It is an expression of praise 1 and it means, 'How praiseworthy is the One who told Avraham that they would have a child, and Who kept His promise. It uses the word "Milel," because the Gematriya of 'Milel' is 100 (Avraham's age when Yitzchak was born). 2

2.

Rashbam: They will realize the greatness of the G-d, Who promised Avraham that he would bear a son to Sarah in their old age, and they will know that there is none who can compare to Him.

3.

Ramban: Who would have dreamt to tell Avraham that Sarah would suckle children (even to console him), since it was so far removed from the realm of possibility. 3

4.

Da'as Zekenim #2: It is an expression of Melilos (moist grain) - who would have said that Avraham will have moisture, i.e. seed?!


1

The Ramban maintains that "Mi" in this sense is only used derogatively (See for example Shoftim 9:28). Refer to 21:7:1.1:1.

2

Riva understands that "Milel" teaches that he was 100. A verse explicitly says so! Rather, it teaches that it was after 100 years were complete.

3

According to the Ramban, this is also the opinion of Targum Onkelus.

2)

Why does the Torah write "Banim" (in the plural)?

1.

Rashi: Because at the Se'udas Bris, the princesses all brought their babies, and Sarah suckled them all.

3)

What was the purpose of that miracle?

1.

Rashi: It was in answer to those who claimed that Sarah did not bear a son, but that she brought home a waif that she found in the street. 1


1

It is not clear however, why the fact that she suckled her own baby did not suffice to stop that rumor in its tracks? Refer also to 21:2:3:2.

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

4)

Rashi writes: "'Who had uttered' (Mi Milel) - An expression of praise and distinction" [to HaSh-m, Who had fulfilled His promise]. Ramban asks - "Who is..." is often used rhetorically, as an expression of derision (see Shoftim 9:28)?

1.

Gur Aryeh: We could explain the verse rhetorically, 'Who ever thought of telling Avraham, that Sarah would one day nurse children? It was inconceivable!' But then why mention Avraham? 1 Also, the verse should then use the word, 'Amar,' which can include thought, rather than 'Milel.' Rashi therefore explains it as praise to HaSh-m.


1

Gur Aryeh: To answer for Ramban, perhaps the verse mentions Avraham because he was more pained by the lack of children, for Peru u'Revu is incumbent upon men.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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