6159 - Sarah Imenu Life Length

A. Indeed the first Rashi on Parshas Chayei Sarah teaches the meaning of those numbers and why they are quoted separately. We may add that Megilas Esther opens by saying that Achashverosh ruled over 127 provinces.

The Midrash on Megilas Esther mentions that Rabbi Akiva was once giving a lecture when he noticed that his students were drowsing. In order to rouse them he asked, "Why was it seen fit that Esther should rule over 127 provinces? Midrash answers, because “Thus said Hashem: Let the daughter of Sarah, who lived 127 years, come and reign over 127 provinces.” The Midrash further teaches that Rav Yehuda said: “He conquered seven that were as difficult as twenty; he then conquered twenty that were as difficult as one hundred.” Rabbi Necḥemya said: He took troops from seven and conquered twenty; he took troops from twenty and conquered one hundred.

Mefarshim also add that seven, twenty and a hundred represent most important dates on our lives. It also carries an important message to the most needed strength to maintain our presence, survival and abode in our land, until Moshiach comes soon Be’ezras Hashem.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a