Sarah, wife of Abraham, certainly did when they journeyed to Egypt. Let's dive into a fascinating episode from Legends of the Jews that shows just how powerfully things can turn around.
Picture this: Sarah, a woman of incredible beauty, finds herself in the court of Pharaoh. Abraham, fearing for his life because of her loveliness, introduces her as his sister. It's a precarious situation, ripe with potential danger. But then, wouldn't you know it, an angel appears!
Now, this wasn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill angel sighting. This angel appears specifically to Sarah, unseen by the king himself. The angel delivers a message of hope, a divine reassurance: "Fear naught, Sarah, for God hath heard thy prayer." According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, this celestial visit brought courage and a sense of divine protection.
Pharaoh, captivated by Sarah, questions her about Abraham. She maintains the ruse, calling Abraham her brother. And here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of harm, Pharaoh showers Abraham with gifts! Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, livestock, servants… you name it, Abraham received it. He was even given a residence within the royal palace.
But the most extraordinary part? Pharaoh, deeply enamored with Sarah, draws up a marriage contract. He deeds to her all his wealth: gold, silver, slaves, and even the province of Goshen. Goshen, remember, is the very same land that would later become the home of Sarah’s descendants. As Legends of the Jews points out, it was rightfully theirs.
And hold on, there's more. As if giving away half his kingdom wasn't enough, Pharaoh gives Sarah his own daughter, Hagar, as a handmaiden! Think about that for a second. He would rather see his daughter as Sarah's servant than as a queen in another man's palace. That’s some serious respect, born of both fear and admiration.
Why Hagar? Well, later on, Hagar becomes a key figure in the story of Abraham’s family. The Midrash Rabbah fills in some gaps, explaining the reasoning behind such an extraordinary gift. Pharaoh recognized Sarah’s special status, her connection to the divine, and wanted his daughter to benefit from being in her service. It's a testament to Sarah's character and the divine favor she carried.
So, what does this all mean? It's more than just a captivating story from Legends of the Jews. It's a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, hope can appear in unexpected forms. Divine intervention, protection, and even the reversal of fortune are all possible. And sometimes, the greatest treasures come in the most surprising packages, even as a king's daughter serving as a handmaiden. What challenges are you facing where you might need an angel to whisper, "Fear naught"?