Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Avraham Moeinzadeh
Whoever has some experience in learning Talmud can testify to the tremendous sensitivity that the Torah has for the honor of the Talmide Chachamim. For instance, Chachamim tell us that Hashem adores the mitzvot that were constituted by the Chachamim more than the mitzvot that were commanded to us in the Torah.
Rambam tells us that sometimes even a good decree that was promised by Hashem might be subjected to change if the recipient loses his merit. However, once the good decree was heard from a prophet, it definitely will take an effect.Meshech Chochmah uses this principle to answer the conflict that appears in our parasha.
At the end of this week’s parasha when Hashem promises to grant Avraham a child from Sarah, he laughs and says, “Shall a child be born to a hundred year old man? And shall Sarah-a ninety year old woman- give birth?” Hashem doesn’t take this comment as a lack of belief. In contrast, at the beginning of next week’s parasha when the angels bless Avraham to have a child, Sarah reacts in almost the same way as Avraham. However, Hashem considers her reaction a lack of trust in his might and rebukes Sarah for the laughter and the comment.
Meshech Chochmah suggests that Avraham heard the Besorah directly from Hashem and therefore​ there was still a chance that he would lose his merit. His astonishment is not from a lack of belief. On the other hand, since Sarah heard the prophecy from Avraham, she had to be totally convinced that the decree wouldn’t be changed and therefore there was no room whatsoever for second questioning it.