Genesis 18:8-18

8 Then he took curds, milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it all before the men; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

9 They said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" He said, "There, in the tent."

10 He said, "I will certainly return to you around this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."Sarah heard him from the entrance of the tent, behind him.

11 Avraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years; Sarah was past the age of childbearing.

12 So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, "I am old, and so is my lord; am I to have pleasure again?"

13 ADONAI said to Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and ask, 'Am I really going to bear a child when I am so old?'

14 Is anything too hard for ADONAI? At the time set for it, at this season next year, I will return to you; and Sarah will have a son."

15 Sarah denied it, saying, "I didn't either laugh," because she was afraid. He said, "Not so - you did laugh."

16 The men set out from there and looked over toward S'dom, and Avraham went with them to see them on their way.

17 ADONAI said, "Should I hide from Avraham what I am about to do,

18 inasmuch as Avraham is sure to become a great and strong nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed by him?

Genesis 18:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 18

Another appearance of God to Abraham is here recorded; three persons are seen by him in an human form, whom he kindly invites to stop with him, and generously entertains them, Ge 18:1-8; they inquire concerning Sarah his wife, and one of them renews the promise of her bearing a son to him, which occasions laughter in her, for which she is reproved, Ge 18:9-15; upon their departure the Lord thought fit, for reasons given, to make known to Abraham his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Ge 18:16-22; when Abraham intercedes for the preservation of those cities in a most importunate and affectionate manner, Ge 18:23-33.