Rabbi Yudan and Rabbi Aivu in the name of Rabbi Yoḥanan: There were two people who said the same thing, Abraham and David. Abraham, of whom it is written: “My Lord God, what will You give me?” He said before Him: ‘Master of the universe, if I am destined to produce offspring and [they will ultimately] anger you, it is preferable for me that “I go childless.”’27The verse is interpreted to mean: Abram said: What will You give me? [If it is unworthy descendants,] I would rather go childless.
David said: “Search me, God, and know my heart; [try me and know my thoughts [sarapai]]” (Psalms 139:23) – know those who emerge from me.28Sarapai can also mean branches that emerge from a tree. “And see, if there is any grievous way in me, lead me on the path to eternity” (Psalms 139:24). He said before Him: ‘Master of the universe, if I am destined to produce offspring who will aggrieve You, it is preferable for me that You lead me on the path to eternity.’29It is preferable that You take my life.
“And the one who has charge of my house” – Rabbi Elazar says: “The one who has charge [meshek] of my house” – this is Lot, whose soul longs [shokeket] to inherit me. “Is Damascus Eliezer” – as on his account I pursued the kings to Damascus, and the Almighty helped me [azarani hael].30According to this interpretation, Eliezer is not a name, but means “God was my assistance” (see Exodus 18:4). Reish Lakish said in the name of bar Kappara: “the one who has charge of my house” – the one who lives in my house is [Damascus] Eliezer, as it was through his help that I pursued the kings to Damascus.
And Eliezer was his name. So it is stated: “He marshaled his disciples, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen” – the numerical value of Eliezer being three hundred and eighteen.