Tonight I’m studying our Torah and the Parashah VaJera…
I’m fascinated by the first verses (Pasukim).
„And the Eternal One appeared to him (Abraham) among the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of the tent, at the heat of the day.“
„And the Eternal One appeared to him (Abraham) under the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of the tent.“
„` Then comes the encounter with the three men…
They are immediately recognized by Abraham as messengers of God, and he leaves no doubt about the intention behind his hospitality, which Abraham’s capable wife, Sarah, makes possible.
Both were childless at this time, and their age was advanced.
Abraham addresses the three men as „Lord“ and continues… „If only I had found favor in your eyes, do not pass by your servant.“
I immediately notice that Abraham addresses and pleads with all three in the singular. He assures them that he is a servant of the ONE God, the Eternal One, and offers Him the highest recognition.
Then the messenger of God promises that Sarah can and will have another child. Sarah cannot believe this at first when she hears it while inside the tent and thinks to herself, „That can’t be.“
The messenger speaks to them the whole time. Abraham! And he knows Sarah’s thoughts.
Then the three messengers set out for Sodom, and Abraham guides them.
And so the account continues…
I deliberately omit the events in Sodom because it is worthwhile to embark on the journey yourself to read the entire Parashah and draw conclusions from it, to learn from it, and above all, to let it resonate within us so that we may be taught and understand it with both heart and mind.
Who were these three messengers?
And what can we learn from the events in Sodom?
Firstly, what God’s plan is and how Abraham deals with it.
Secondly, what was the particular transgression of the inhabitants of Sodom that required the Eternal One to intervene?
I am spontaneously learning that God can do anything in our lives if we place our trust in Him.
And I am spontaneously learning that a harsh judgment can be softened through conversation with God (prayer) if this is done with an attitude of gentleness (Chessed) and directed solely toward the Eternal One, as in the case of Abraham.
But listen, read, and learn for yourselves.
Words and Passion 