Haftarat Chayei Sarah
“Life of Sarah”
1 King 1:1-40
This week’s haftarah portion tells the story of Solomon’s succession to his father David’s throne. The book of 1 Kings opens with a depiction of King David in his last days, infirm and bedridden. His servants bring him a young, beautiful virgin to care for him. David seems unaware.
Meanwhile, his oldest surviving son, Adonijah leads a conspiracy to usurp the throne. Adonijah invites all but those most loyal to the king to attend his coronation. Nathan the prophet alerts David’s wife Bathsheba, and the two of them entreat David to quickly declare Solomon as the rightful king. David makes good on his promise to declare Solomon king.
This haftarah portion corresponds specifically to Genesis 24 of this week’s parashah. Genesis 24 begins with the words, “Now Abraham was old, advanced in age.” The haftarah portion begins with the same description of King David: “King Davide was old, advanced in age. “Genesis 24 ends with Abraham assuring that Isaac is his sole successor by bequeathing all his possessions to him and sending his other sons away with gifts. A similar concern regarding succession rights provides the story for the haftarah portion.
From FFOZ Torah Club Voice of the Prophets
Ffoz.org