In parshas Lech Lechah, we followed the tension between Avraham, Sarah and Hagar. This week, in Vayeirah, they are at it again. As we rejoin the trio, a bundle of joy has arrived in la casa de Avraham. There is a bris, a naming (Yitzchok) and a weaning ceremony. All is great until Sarah espies Hagar’s son misbehaving (cf. Rashi, 21.9).
In the midst of the rejoicing, Sarah turns to Avraham (again) and orders him to send off Hagar and “her son”, perhaps deliberately omitting the “son’s” name. This time Avraham is not passive: “But the matter greatly displeased Abraham, concerning his son.” (21.11)
Nevertheless, God encourages Avraham to "listen to (Sarah's) voice." Even so, God promises that Ishmael is destined to be the patriarch of a great nation on Avraham's merit.
Hagar wanders off into the wilderness with her son. The story is eerily like the next chapter when Avraham heads out on a journey with Yitzchok. How is the exile of Ishmael like the Akedah of Yitzchok? Both nearly die. Both are rescued by angels. And, both sire great nations.
Why does Avraham embrace Ishmael despite Sarah's pleas?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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