Abimelech's Silver and the Curse That Dimmed Isaac's Eyes

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 20:16

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Behold." The silver that I have given to Abraham — about whom you say, "He is my brother" — for this I gave it to him: that he should buy you with it a covering of the eyes, so that all will know that you are a noblewoman, and they will not ask thus. And therefore it is said, "and to all that are with thee, and with all, and she was reproved" (Genesis 20:16). And whoever asks about you, "Is she his wife?" — be careful that you no longer speak so, lest they cause you to stumble among people. Another interpretation: "Behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes." If you concealed from me, in that he said "She is my sister" and she said "He is my brother" — therefore you shall have a son who will be for you a covering of the eyes. And therefore the Sages, of blessed memory, said: Let not the curse of a common man be light in your eyes. And because Abimelech cursed Sarah, in that he said to her, "May you have a son who will be a covering of the eyes for you," therefore "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, his eyes were dim" (Genesis 27:1).

Themes

DeceptionPatriarchsAdam EveCreationMatriarchs

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Midrash AggadahHow Laban Persuaded His Townsmen to Swap Leah for RachelBefore Jacob came to Haran, the well of the town gave its water grudgingly. So heavy was the stone upon its mouth that no single hand could move it; the shepherMidrash AggadahJacob Gives Rachel the Secret Signs Against Laban's DeceitWhen Jacob first spoke with Rachel at the well, he did not waste words. "Marry me," he said. And Rachel answered him plainly: "Yes." But she warned him at once Book of TobitMarriage of Tobiyyah of SarahBook of Tobit turns to Marriage of Tobiyyah of Sarah. You’re newly married, but your spouse has a bit of a history. A history of… seven dead husbands. Yikes. ThLegends of the JewsMichael's PrayerIt’s a story filled with angelic visits, tearful goodbyes, and a final, audacious request. According to Legends of the Jews, after Michael the archangel’s arrivLegends of the JewsAbraham — Rebecca at the Dawn of CreationIn this case, it wasn't just a matter of personal preference; it was tied to a much larger destiny. Our sages tell us that Rebekah possessed a remarkable claritLegends of the JewsMoses Rescued Jethro's Daughters from Murderous ShepherdsHe's seeking refuge after fleeing Egypt, and what does he find? Shepherds behaving… well, terribly. The Legends of the Jews, as retold by Ginzberg, paints a viv