I'm not quite sure how I got pulled into the fray here, but since we're talking about conflicting midrashim, and picking and choosing which is closer to "pshat," (and since I always love responding to David Derovan
), here goes.
To David. I find your interpretation of Rivkah being three fascinating. And completely unsettling to teach to children. Kids don't think about all the problems associated with a 40-year old marrying a 3-year old. Until they're old enough to think that's the only interpretation, and then some get REALLY turned off. So while I think your philosophical idea is nice for adults, most kids learn this story when they're 6-8 years old, and remain with tat impression FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. It IS sad. Which is why it is also important, as Rabbi Daum said, to teach an alternative approach.
So, once we're on the subject if tying together Rivkah's birth, the Akedah and Sarah's death, let's undo tat formula by suggesting Sarah's death was completely unrelated to the Akedah.
Two opinions on Sarah’s death
Bereishit Rabba 58
Avraham came to eulogize her. Where did he come from? From terach’s funeral. But didn’t Terach die two years earlier? Rather he came from Mt Moriah. Sarah had died from that episode, which is why the Akedah is next to her death…
Bereishit Rabba 45
“God should judge between you and me” – Rabbi Tanchuma said… Sarah was supposed to live as long as Avraham, but since she said “God should judge between you and me, she lost 48 years of her life.
The commentary of Yismach Moshe on Chayei Sarah is essential for understanding the math associated with Sarah's death, following the reasoning ascribed to the latter midrash I presented.
It’s a bit complicated, but essentially, Sarah was either supposed to live to 170 (to die when Avraham dies at 180) or 165 (to die when he ultimately died at 175).
Because of her anger at Avraham over Hagar’s becoming pregnant, she was punished to lose 86 years, which was cut in half to 43 (170-43 = 127)
Or, as per the Medrash Rabba 45 above, she was supposed to lose 48 years of her life, according to a different version it was 38 years, depending on whether she was supposed to live to die the same year as Avraham (at age 165), or at the same age that Avraham ultimately died (Sarah to live 175).
175 - 48 = 127
165 – 38 = 127
In either case, these opinions say her death at 127 had nothing to do with the Akeidah and was strictly because she was punished over the way she treated Avraham when Hagar became pregnant.
Lastly, while we're on the subject of VERY WRONG midrash in to teach, please see what I've written about the Seth of Eisav here:
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