In Gen 16-18, we see the promise of Isaac questioned. Abram and Sarai grow weary of waiting and ultimately conceive through Hagar, Sarai’s servant. While this child is blessed, God waits another 13 years before speaking again.
When God does speak again, he is clear that Sarai herself will bear the child of promise. At this time, God changes Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah respectively, to show that he has marked them. He then charges Abraham to remain faithful and obedient. He then tests Abraham’s obedience in two ways: first, he demands circumcision of he and all males in his camp. We know from earlier stories that this was no small camp and the arguments that followed must have been a challenge. Abraham did not back down and was faithful in front of the masses. The next challenge was more private. While Abraham was alone on a hot day, three men approach, who were secretly angels. Abraham kept up to care for them, preparing them a meal, allowing them a place to wash, and caring for them. Sarah, too, was obedient here. However, when the angels revealed God’s promise, she too laughs at the idea of being 90, and Abraham 100, and giving birth. It is for this reason that Isaac is named as such (the name means “she laughed”).
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