Fear of heaven is a common theme in parshas VaEra. The Holy One, blessed be He, is generally believed to be kind, loving, and merciful. Many take this to mean that He is weak and soft, and one can ignore His will with impunity. In fact, though, he is also powerful, has meticulous standards, and is capable of being very harsh. A good person like our patriarch, Abraham, will easily see the kindness of Hashem. To acquire fear of heaven may take time and experience.
The parsha opens with three travelers who accept Avraham’s offer of hospitality. The commentaries explain that Ishmael helps prepare the meal, however he is not called by name and simply referred to as the boy. This hints that he will not be part of the holy national of Israel.
The travellers turn out to be angels and herald the imminent birth of Isaac. In response Sarah quietly laughs derisively. Even though there is ample reason for this subdued reaction, she is put on the spot for her lack of faith.
Next the evil in Sodom is considered. The discussion with Avraham hints that there are certainly not much more than ten tsadikim in Sodom and if there are not even ten, all should be destroyed. The encounter there with Lot confirms the worst suspicions and the metropolis is destroyed. Lot’s decision not to return to Abraham results in his spiritual destruction.
Avraham then starts to reside among the Plishtim. Thinking Sarah is not married, their king seizes her for his harem. Hakadosh Baruch Hu threatens Avimelech with death because of adultery. When asked why he acted in such an unusual way, Abraham explains that he saw that there was no fear of Hashem in this place as a result he believed that they would go so far as to kill him in order to take his wife. Avimelech makes restitution and later on, accompanied by his general, asks Abraham for a treaty of peace. A thorny discussion ensues and Abraham consents.
Sarah gives birth to Yitzchak. Ishmael behaves in a suspicious way. Because of this he is sent into the desert, where he almost dies of thirst. Hakadosh Baruch Hu hears his weeping, saves him, is with him, and makes him into a great nation.
Later on Hashem tells Abraham to slaughter Yitzchak as a sacrifice. Abraham agrees to do so. At the last possible moment Hashem tells him to stop and explains that it was all just a test to see that he fears the powers that be. G-d then blesses Abraham very greatly. The parsha ends with the news that Rivka, the soulmate of Isaac has been born.
לע"נ הדוד מאיר בן חיים ז"ל נלב"ע כה תשרי תשנ" ב
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