Parashat Chayei Sarah (The Life of Sarah)
Beresheet (Genesis) 23:1 – 25:8
Haftarah: I Kings 1:1-31

In a world filled with varying narratives and perspectives, standing for truth has become both vital and challenging. This week's readings from Parashat Chayei Sarah and the Haftarah emphasize the importance of humility, submission to God’s will, and the courage to uphold and share His truth, even when it may be inconvenient or unpopular.

In Parashat Chayei Sarah, we encounter Abraham in his later years, deeply committed to ensuring that his son Isaac marries within his kin. He tasks his servant with finding a wife for Isaac, saying with conviction, “The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my birth… He will send His angel ahead of you, and you will take a wife for my son from there.” (Genesis 24:7)

Here, Abraham’s trust in God’s promise is unshakable. Rather than acting out of his own desires (as he did when he tried to have an heir through Hagar and not Sara) he relies on God’s guidance. This decision highlights a profound humility: Abraham isn’t trying to control every outcome but trusts in God’s overarching plan for his family.

Similarly, we see this faith in Abraham’s servant. When God confirms Rebekah as Isaac’s future wife, the servant responds with worship, attributing his success solely to God’s provision. In turn, he shares his experience with Laban and Bethuel, who recognize that God’s will is beyond dispute:

The matter has come from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. Genesis 24:50

Following God’s truth often requires releasing our own assumptions and trusting His wisdom, even if it requires humility and courage.

The Haftarah portion contrasts Abraham’s humility with the ambition of Adonijah, who proclaims himself king despite God’s choice of Solomon. Adonijah’s self-promotion disregards God’s will, while those close to David, including Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest, stay loyal to God’s chosen path.

Nathan advises Bathsheba to remind David of his promise to Solomon, prompting David to act swiftly to ensure Solomon’s rightful place as king. David’s response reflects his commitment to following through on God’s plan, rather than allowing human ambition to alter it.

True submission to God means setting aside personal agendas. Like Abraham and David, we’re called to humbly align ourselves with God’s will, recognizing that His wisdom far surpasses ours.

Today, many are reluctant to fully embrace and share God’s truth, fearing criticism or misunderstanding. Yet, our call as believers is to be unwavering in our commitment to God’s Word, even if it challenges prevailing social norms. True love is grounded in truth, and compromising God’s truth for convenience or acceptance ultimately does a disservice to us and others.

This has special relevance for those of us who see the unfolding reality in Israel. With the constant onslaught of misinformation and distorted narratives around the war, standing for truth takes on an even deeper significance. The complexity and sensitivity of this conflict can make it difficult to discern truth from propaganda. But as followers of God’s Word, we are called to support His people, to stand with Israel, and to understand that the battle over truth is not just a political one—it’s a spiritual one as well.

We see this reflected in our Haftarah portion, where David’s throne—God’s chosen throne for Israel—faces threats from competing ambitions. Like Nathan and David’s loyal followers, who refused to compromise the true king’s anointing, we are called to stand for God’s truth and His people in Israel. The current conflict is yet another moment where standing in alignment with God’s promises, particularly those regarding Israel, requires boldness, humility, and faith.

The truth about Israel and God’s promises concerning this land have been under attack for millennia. Today’s challenges are part of this enduring conflict. Standing with Israel is not just about taking a side; it’s about honoring God’s covenant and the calling He placed on this land and its people. As the war rages on, we are called to be voices of truth, sharing God’s Word, and resisting the pressure to conform to prevailing opinions that contradict His promises.

Let us be encouraged to not only seek out and stand on God’s truth but also to share it courageously, especially in this season of turmoil. May we find strength in Abraham’s example and in David’s loyal supporters, remembering that God’s truth will ultimately prevail.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran