Summary of The Haftorah:
Haftorah Chayei Sarah
This week's Haftorah is from the first chapter of Kings 1. Dovid Hamelech
(the King) is old and must confront the inevitable succession of the throne. His 40 year
reign as King of Israel had been blessed with great success, and he had
secured the security and sovereignty of the nation. Yet, in his personal life
he had suffered great tragedies and hardships. Having already survived the
rebellion of his son Avsholom, he must now confront the rebellion of his son
Adoniyahu, and his trusted General, Yoav.
The Haftorah relates the foresight and courage of Batsheva, the mother of
Shlomo, and the help of Nasan the Navi, in guaranteeing the succession of
Shlomo to become the next King.
The relationship of this story to our Parsha is the planned succession
of the throne. Just as Dovid must plan for the next stage of Israel's
leadership; so too must Avraham accept the inevitable end and look to
Yitzchak's future. Just as Dovid oversees the succession while still living,
and steps aside to guarantee a proper and secure change; so too does Avraham
take the necessary steps of securing Jewish national development while he
is still alive and in a position to continue teaching and directing.
