Abimelech Crowns Sarah a Queen with a Royal Garment

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayera 27:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And Abimelech took..." (Genesis 20:14). He said to Abraham, "Behold, my land is before you" (ibid., verse 15). See the honor with which he honored Abraham! And not only that, but Sarah as well. From where do we know this? As it is said, "And to Sarah he said, Behold, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your brother..." (ibid., verse 16). Rabbi Acha said: What is the meaning of "Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes" (ibid.)? He took a royal garment and clothed her in it and made her a noblewoman (matrona). Why? So that no man in the world would seek to take her; rather, they would hear that she was a queen and be afraid to seek to take her.

Themes

MatriarchsKingsHumorWitCreation

Biblical References

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