Making Every Day Count - Chayei Sarah

The Haftorah begins with a portrayal of Dovid HaMelech in his old age, using the phrase בָּ֖א בַּיָּמִ֑ים, “coming in days.” This expression is rare in Tanach, used only in reference to four individuals: Avraham, Sarah, Yehoshua, and Dovid HaMelech. Generally, age is measured in years, not days, so why is old age described here as “coming in days”? And why not simply use the term זקן, meaning “old”?

The choice of words here is significant. The phrase בָּ֖א בַּיָּמִ֑ים highlights a contrast between the quantity of years, שנים, and the quality of days, ימים. A person might be granted a long life but may not use their time meaningfully. In contrast, someone who lives fewer years may live with great intentionality, investing in each day’s potential. In this context, “days” represents moments of true purpose rather than merely the passage of time.

By describing Dovid’s old age as “coming in days,” the Navi conveys that Dovid lived each day with intentionality and purpose. He didn’t just accumulate years; he filled each day with meaning and lived his life to its fullest potential. Had the verse used the term זקן, we would know Dovid’s age in years. Instead, “coming with days” gives insight into his character—he didn’t just live a long life but a fulfilling one. 

This phrasing reminds us of our responsibility to elevate each day. While Hashem grants us length in the form of years—אריכות שנים—it is up to us to pursue length of days—אריכות ימים. In doing so, we, like Dovid, can strive to lead lives filled with significance, not merely years.