The One Who Prays for Another in His Own Need Is Answered First

Rabbi Eleazar said: these two closings, why? One in the man, the emission of seed; two in the woman, the emission of seed and birth. In a baraita it was taught: two in the man, seed and the small openings; three in the woman, seed, the small openings, and birth. Ravina said: three in the man, seed, the small openings, and the anal passage; four in the woman, seed, the small openings, the anal passage, and birth. "For every womb" (Genesis 20:18) - even the hen of Abimelech did not lay its egg. From where do we learn that if a person does not forgive his fellow he is cruel? As it is said, "And Abraham prayed to God" (Genesis 20:17). Rava said to Rabbah bar Mari: from where comes this matter that the Rabbis said, whoever asks for mercy on behalf of his fellow while he himself needs that very thing is answered first? As it is said, "And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his fellow" (Job 42:10). He said to him: you said it from there, I say it from here: "And Abraham prayed to God," and it is written, "And the LORD remembered Sarah as He had said" - as Abraham had said concerning Abimelech.