Why God Blessed Abraham In Everything and the Fifty-Two Years

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Chayei Sara 6:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And the LORD had blessed Abraham in everything" (Gen. 24:1). What is the meaning of "in everything" (ba-kol)? While he was between the pieces (Gen. 15), He brought him the good tidings that He would give him a son fifty-two years later. How so? Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Chanina say: At the age of forty-eight Abraham came to recognize his Creator. At that very hour He brought him the good tidings that He would give him a son fifty-two years later. Thus, "And the LORD had blessed Abraham in everything."

Themes

AbrahamCovenant

Biblical References

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Book of JubileesCovenant of Abraham of IsaacIn this ancient text, which some consider to be part of the broader Jewish apocrypha, we find a pivotal moment concerning Abraham, his wife Sarah, and a promiseApocalypse of AbrahamGod Commands Abraham to Offer Sacrifice for a RevelationThe voice came again. Twice it called his name: "Abraham, Abraham!" "Here I am." "It is I. Fear not, for I am before the worlds, a mighty God who has created thApocalypse of AbrahamGod Promises Abraham Descendants Like the StarsThe Eternal Mighty One said: "Abraham, Abraham!" "Here I am." "Look down at the stars beneath your feet. Count them for me. Make known to me their number." AbraApocalypse of AbrahamGod Reveals That All of History Was Planned in AdvanceAbraham asked: "O Eternal, Mighty One! What is this picture of the creatures?" God answered: "This is my will with regard to those who exist in the divine worldApocalypse of AbrahamThe End of the Age and the Coming of God's Chosen OneAbraham asked again: "How long a time is an hour of the Age?" God answered: "Twelve years have I ordained of this ungodly age to rule among the heathen and in yApocalypse of AbrahamGod Foretells Abraham's Descendants in ExileThe vision was nearly complete. God spoke His final words to Abraham, circling back from the cosmic future to the personal promise that had started everything.