“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.”
In this verse, we witness an encounter between Abraham and three angelic visitors who had come to him near the oaks of Mamre. Abraham had shown them great hospitality, providing them with food and rest. During their visit, they revealed to Abraham and Sarah the promise of a son, despite their old age.
This verse specifically focuses on the conversation between Abraham and one of the visitors. The visitor informs Abraham that he will indeed return to him, emphasizing the time frame, “according to the time of life.” The meaning behind this phrase can be interpreted as a reference to the appropriate time for conception and childbirth, indicating that the promise of a son would be fulfilled in due course.
It is important to note that at this point, both Abraham and Sarah were quite advanced in age. Sarah had been barren throughout her life, and they had long given up hope of having children together. The news of Sarah conceiving and bearing a son was astonishing and seemingly impossible. Sarah, who overheard the conversation from the tent door, reacted with disbelief, as we see in the following verses.
Genesis 18:11-12 (KJV) continues:
“Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age, and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
Sarah’s response reveals her doubt and amusement at the thought of having a child in her old age. The situation seemed impossible from a human perspective. However, the visitors were not ordinary men; they were messengers from God, with the power to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Genesis 18:13-14 (KJV) continues:
“And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed, I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
God, who was present in the form of one of the visitors, questioned Abraham about Sarah’s laughter. He affirmed His promise once again, reiterating that Sarah would indeed bear a son. God also posed a rhetorical question, emphasizing His unlimited power and ability to perform miracles. He reassured Abraham that nothing was too difficult for Him.
The story of Genesis 18:10 and the subsequent verses demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. Despite the advanced age of Abraham and Sarah, God affirmed that Sarah would conceive and bear a son. This miraculous birth would serve as a testament to God’s power and His ability to accomplish the extraordinary. Ultimately, this promise was fulfilled, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac, who became a pivotal figure in God’s plan for His people.
This passage also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises, even when they seem unlikely or beyond human comprehension. Abraham and Sarah’s journey teaches us that God is able to fulfill His word in His perfect timing and according to His divine plan, regardless of the obstacles we may face.
