PARSHAH 4 VAYERAHE APPEARED GENESIS 18:1 -22:24 CJB AUDIO TEXT

Scope: Genesis 18:1–22:24 recounts key moments in the lives of Avraham and Sarah that reveal God’s faithfulness, judgment, mercy, and the testing of covenant loyalty. Summary: Divine visitation to Avraham (18:1–15): Adonai appears to Avraham in the form of three visitors. Avraham offers generous hospitality. The visitors announce that Sarah will bear a son within a year. Sarah laughs, and God affirms the certainty of His promise. Intercession for Sodom (18:16–33): God reveals His intention to judge Sodom and Gomorrah. Avraham intercedes boldly, pleading that the righteous not be destroyed with the wicked. God agrees to spare the cities if ten righteous people are found. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (19:1–29): Two angels arrive in Sodom. Lot shelters them. The cities’ corruption is exposed. Lot’s family is rescued; his wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt. The cities are destroyed by divine judgment. Lot’s daughters (19:30–38): Believing humanity destroyed, Lot’s daughters produce offspring through their father, leading to the origins of Moab and Ammon. Avraham and Avimelekh (20:1–18): Avraham repeats the pattern of presenting Sarah as his sister. God intervenes to protect Sarah. Avimelekh restores her and acknowledges God’s favor on Avraham. Birth of Isaac (21:1–7): God fulfills His promise; Sarah gives birth to Yitzchak. His name reflects the theme of laughter—initial doubt transformed into joy. Ishmael sent away (21:8–21): Tension arises between Sarah and Hagar. God tells Avraham to listen to Sarah. Hagar and Ishmael are sustained by God in the wilderness and receive a divine promise of nationhood. Covenant with Avimelekh (21:22–34): Avraham and Avimelekh swear a treaty at Be’er-Sheva, and Avraham calls on the name of Adonai. The Binding of Isaac — Akedat Yitzchak (22:1–19): God tests Avraham by commanding him to offer Isaac. Avraham obeys. God stops the sacrifice, provides a ram, and reaffirms the covenant with expanded promises. Concluding genealogy (22:20–24): The genealogy of Nahor introduces Rebekah, preparing for Isaac’s future wife. Theme focus: Divine revelation, hospitality, justice and mercy, covenant faithfulness, judgment of sin, fulfillment of promise, and the testing of faith.