Genesis 18:10

Memory Verse

And He said, “I will return, to return unto you according to life, and behold a son to Sarah your wife.” And Sarah was listening in the tent door, and she was behind him (Genesis 18:10).

On His way to destroy the valley of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, the LORD spent time with Abraham. The LORD told Abraham that Sarah would have a child, for He would return to them the time of life. Even though they were old and past childbearing age, God explained that He would keep His promise. Sarah’s body would be restored so she could have a child.

This news made Sarah laugh (Genesis 18:12). The word “laugh” shows not just amusement, but also some irony or doubt. Abraham had a similar response in Genesis 17:17, when the LORD changed their names and promised Sarah a son.

When the LORD confronted her, Sarah denied laughing out of fear (Genesis 18:13–15). The LORD asked if anything was too difficult for Him. He said the time of life would be returned to her and she would bear a son (Genesis 18:14). The LORD did this at the appointed time to show Abraham that his son was not by his own effort. Isaac was the son of promise, in contrast to Ishmael, who was born through human effort.