Translations
Original
Notes
Sarah thought no one noticed her disbelieving laughter. But God knows what people do in secret and what they feel (see Psalm 69:5; Proverbs 20:27; Mark 4:22; Luke 8:43–48; Hebrews 4:13). He knows if they doubt promises or trust in him (see Hebrews 11:11–12).
The Lord's visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac's birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham welcomed the visitors peacefully and generously, which contrasted with the chaos and corruption in Sodom (chapter 19).
Sharing a meal was important for making or confirming covenants. When God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he personally shared a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always included a communal meal (see Exodus 24:9–11; Matthew 26:17–30 // Luke 22:7–38; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:20–34).
Abraham Isaac Sarah God's Word at the Center Symbolic Numbers
People
Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac
Glossary
Abraham Angel Annunciation Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Hospitality Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Peter, Second Letter of Prayer Presence of God Sarah Sodom and Gomorrah
Topics
Abraham: Angels Appear To Children were Named: from Remarkable Events Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Doubting: Exemplified God: Appearances of To Abraham Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: Prophecies Concerning Mamre: A Plain Near Hebron: Entertains Three Angels, and is Promised a Son Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Miraculous Conception of Isaac Sin: Known to God Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie