Genesis 21:7
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.
Genesis 21:7 (KJV)
Context
God had promised Abraham that he would become a great nation, but as the years passed, Abraham and Sarah remained childless. Their doubt led Sarah to give her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a wife, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16). Despite their mistakes, God remained faithful to His promise. In Genesis 17, God renewed His covenant and specifically promised that Sarah would bear a son. When Sarah initially heard this, she laughed in disbelief (Genesis 18:12). Yet God fulfilled His word, and Sarah conceived and bore a son named Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3). Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born (Genesis 21:5), making the event humanly impossible.
Meaning
Genesis 21:7 captures Sarah’s joyful and amazed response to Isaac’s birth. She expresses astonishment that she, an old woman, has given birth to a son and is able to nurse him. Her question, “Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck?” reflects her awareness of the unexpected nature of this event. No human could have predicted or brought about this outcome; only God could have declared and accomplished it. The phrase “in his old age” emphasizes that this was not a natural occurrence but a divine intervention. Sarah’s testimony becomes a witness to God’s miraculous power, connecting her joy and amazement to God’s direct action, as she had earlier declared, “God hath made me to laugh” (Genesis 21:6).
Biblical connections
The birth of Isaac fulfills God’s covenant promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12 and reiterated specifically in Genesis 17:19, where God said Sarah would bear a son. This event is foundational for the biblical narrative, as Isaac is the child through whom God’s covenant promises to Abraham would continue.
Application
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. 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.
Sarah’s ability to bear a child in her old age showcases God’s power to bring forth life from what appears to be barren situations. It reminds us that God can accomplish the impossible, and His power is not limited by human constraints. Sarah’s joy and amazement at Isaac’s birth highlight the blessings that come from experiencing God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder to celebrate and give thanks when God accomplishes His purposes in our lives.
Reflection
Sarah’s words invite us to consider how God has been faithful to us, even when His promises seemed delayed or impossible. Her question, “Who would have said…?” challenges us to recognize that God often works beyond what anyone could predict or plan. Like Sarah, we can respond with joyful amazement, trusting that the God who kept His word to Abraham and Sarah will also keep His word to us.
