Vayera: negotiations

Vayera: negotiations

 

 

Vayera is full of contradictions ( I think that the contra of contradiction may be conceptually related to the neg of negotiation).  Sara implicitly contradicts the annunciation of the angels that she will bear a son in her old age ( by laughing [ or whatever tzachok means]).  Then Avraham negotiates with Gd about the fate of the 5 towns ( including Sodom and Amorah), admitting that he has no right to question the Ultimate Authority.  Lot negotiates with the angels ( to bring them to his home) and with the  lecherous towns people of Sodom ( offering his daughters who become his wives).  Lot negotiates for the rescue of Tzoar. Lot's  daughters  deal with their vision of the negation of the world and use the age old negotiator's trick of intoxicating the other party.   Sarah asks that Gd judge between her and Avraham and gets him to send away Hagar and Ishmael. ...etc

 

But Avraham does NOT negotiate with Gd about the sacrifice of Isaac! What is that about? Why  is this a moment of blind faith?

Perhaps every parent realizes that they have limited input into the fate of her children.  All children are born to eventually die.  Avraham and Yitzchok felt that this, the sacrificial act,  was their best fate  ( at the time).  Anyway, it worked out.  Things always worked out for Avraham.  We pray that Gd protect us like Gd protected Avraham.