Parashat Chayei Sarah - Sixth Aliyah
Read the biblical text and try to understand it on your own, before reading the commentary.
The story of Isaac and Rebecca’s marriage has ended, but Abraham’s life continues. He marries Keturah, and they have six sons. As his family grows, he also arranges the inheritance: he gives all that he has to Isaac, while giving gifts to the sons of the concubines and sending them eastward during his lifetime. Genesis 25:1-6
Radak explains that Abraham distributes his property during his lifetime to prevent a dispute over the inheritance after his death. Isaac is established as heir in accordance with God’s words that Abraham’s line would be reckoned through Isaac. Radak on Genesis 25:5
After describing what Abraham gives to others, the Torah turns to how he himself takes leave of life.
What does it mean to die satisfied?
Abraham lives for a hundred and seventy-five years. But when the Torah describes his death, it adds another description to the number of years:
beseivah tovah zaken vesavea
Translation: In a good old age, old and satisfied.
Old describes his age; what does satisfied add? Genesis 25:7-8
Ramban explains that Abraham saw all his heart’s wishes fulfilled and was satisfied with every good thing. His soul was satisfied with his days, and he did not desire more days to bring him anything new. Ramban sees this both as God’s kindness toward the righteous and as a good quality in them: they do not crave excess. He contrasts them with someone who acquires a sum of money and immediately wants twice as much, so that acquiring more only increases the appetite. Ramban on Genesis 25:8
After the verses about the property Abraham distributes, the word satisfied takes on further meaning. One can accumulate much and still live with a sense that something is missing. According to Ramban, Abraham reaches the end of his days able to be satisfied with the good he has seen in them.
The blessing given to the one who remains
Isaac and Ishmael bury their father in the Cave of Machpelah, where Sarah was buried. Immediately afterward, the Torah tells us that God blesses Isaac, who dwells near Be’er Lachai Ro’i. Genesis 25:9-11
What is this blessing, which comes specifically after Abraham’s death? In his first explanation, Rashi says that God offered Isaac the consolation given to mourners. Within the verse about Isaac’s continuing life, Rashi also hears the consolation of a son who has lost his father. Rashi on Genesis 25:11
In the previous aliyah, Isaac found consolation in his love for Rebecca after his mother’s death. Here, after his father’s death, Rashi finds consolation in God’s blessing. Abraham takes leave of life satisfied with it; Isaac remains with the pain, and with a blessing that accompanies him on the road ahead.
More Questions on the Parsha
Eliezer’s Prayer: Can a Coincidence Be Guided by God?
Why does Eliezer ask for a chance encounter? Malbim, Or HaChaim and Baal HaTurim explore providence, responsibility and kindness beside the well.
Why Is a Vav Missing from Ishmael’s Generations?
One letter separates the spellings for Ishmael’s and Isaac’s generations. Masoretic tradition and a midrash open a question about loss and continuity.
Why Is Isaac Named Before Ishmael at Abraham’s Burial?
Isaac and Ishmael bury their father together. Rashi finds repentance in the order of their names, inviting reflection on honor, family and continuity.
Why Does Abraham Eulogize Sarah Before Weeping for Her?
Why does Sarah’s eulogy come before the tears? Sforno, Malbim and Kli Yakar offer a starting point for reflecting on honor, grief and action.