And the LORD visited Sarah as He said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He spoke. And she conceived, and Sarah bore to Abraham a son for his old age for the appointed time which God had spoken with him (Genesis 21:1–2).
Abraham was one hundred years old when the LORD fulfilled His promise to give Sarah a child (Genesis 21:5). He named his son Isaac, referencing his earlier laughter upon hearing that he would have an heir through Sarah (Genesis 17:17). In accordance with his faith, Abraham circumcised Isaac on the eighth day (Genesis 21:4; cf. Genesis 17:10).
Sarah was ninety years old when the LORD enabled her to conceive. In response, she laughed and proclaimed that all who hear of this event would laugh with her (Genesis 21:6–7). Previously, in Genesis 18:12, Sarah had responded with disbelief upon overhearing the LORD’s promise. Now, holding the promised child, her laughter expresses joy.
The Hebrew term rendered as ‘laugh’ encompasses a range of meanings, including disbelief, joy, and mockery. It can also imply erotic or intimate play. Consequently, the context determines whether laughter signifies disbelief, joy, mockery, or, as in Exodus 32:6, inappropriate erotic behavior during idol worship. Abraham and Sarah’s laughter reflected disbelief, while Ishmael’s laughter toward Isaac was an act of mockery.
After Isaac was weaned, Abraham held a great feast (Genesis 21:8). During the celebration, Sarah observed Ishmael mocking (laughing) Isaac (Genesis 21:9), which deeply upset her. She demanded that Abraham expel the bondwoman and her son, asserting that Ishmael would not share in Isaac’s inheritance (Genesis 21:10). Although this request displeased Abraham, the LORD instructed him to comply (Genesis 21:11–12). God further assured Abraham that Ishmael would become the progenitor of a great nation because he was Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 21:13). The following morning, Abraham provided bread and water to Hagar and Ishmael and sent them away, leading them to wander in the wilderness of Beer–sheba (Genesis 21:14).
