“And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.”
This verse is part of the account of the birth of Isaac, the promised son of Abraham and Sarah. To fully understand its significance, let’s explore the context and key themes.
Context: In Genesis 12, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him, make him a great nation, and give him a land. God also promised that all nations would be blessed through him. However, as years went by, Abraham and Sarah remained childless, even though they were well advanced in age. This caused doubt and led them to consider alternative solutions, such as Sarah giving her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a wife, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16).
The Promise Fulfilled: Despite Abraham and Sarah’s doubts and the mistakes they made along the way, God remained faithful to His promise. In Genesis 17, God renewed His covenant with Abraham and promised that Sarah would bear a son, even in her old age. When Sarah initially heard this, she laughed in disbelief (Genesis 18:12). However, God fulfilled His promise, and Sarah conceived and bore a son named Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3).
Sarah’s Response: Genesis 21:7 captures Sarah’s joyful and amazed response to the birth of Isaac. She expresses astonishment that she, an old woman, has given birth to a son. Sarah recognizes the miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth and marvels at God’s faithfulness. Her question, “Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck?” reflects her awareness of the unexpected and unlikely nature of this event.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s Faithfulness: Genesis 21:7 reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. God remains true to His word and can bring about the fulfillment of His plans in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.
- God’s Timing: Isaac’s birth occurred in Sarah’s old age, emphasizing that God’s timing is perfect. He fulfills His promises at the appointed time, and His plans are not hindered by human limitations or doubts.
- God’s Power over the Impossible: Sarah’s ability to bear a child in her old age showcases God’s power and ability to bring forth life from what appears to be lifeless or barren situations. It reminds us that God can accomplish the impossible, and His power is not limited by human constraints.
- The Joy of God’s Fulfillment: Sarah’s joy and amazement at Isaac’s birth highlight the blessings and joy that come from experiencing God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a reminder to celebrate and give thanks when God accomplishes His purposes in our lives.
In summary, Genesis 21:7 captures Sarah’s astonishment and joy at giving birth to Isaac in her old age. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness, His ability to fulfill His promises in His perfect timing, and His power to bring forth life from seemingly impossible situations. It encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and celebrate His works in our lives.
