Sarah
conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
Genesis 21:2
Genesis 21 [1.] Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken. Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me.” She said, “Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”
Meaning:
- Sarah's Conception:
For Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son: The verse encapsulates the miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. After years of waiting and Sarah's initial disbelief (Genesis 18:12), the promised son, Isaac, is born, signifying the faithfulness of God.
- In Abraham's Old Age:
In his old age: The mention of Abraham's old age highlights the extraordinary nature of this birth. It emphasizes that the fulfillment of God's promise transcends natural limitations, showcasing His ability to bring about the miraculous.
- At the Set Time:
At the set time of which God had spoken to him: The birth of Isaac occurs precisely as God had promised. This phrase underscores the divine orchestration of events, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and His faithfulness in fulfilling His word.
- Significance:
Fulfillment of God's Promise: Genesis 21:2 marks the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. It stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Miracle Beyond Natural Limits: The birth of Isaac in Abraham's old age is a miraculous event that transcends the natural course of life. It serves as a reminder that God's promises are not bound by human limitations but are fulfilled according to His divine timing.
Relevance for Today:
God's Faithfulness: Genesis 21:2 encourages believers today to trust in the faithfulness of God. Just as He fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah, God remains steadfast in fulfilling His promises to His people.
Divine Timing: The concept of God's timing in Genesis 21:2 invites reflection on the importance of patience and trust. It reassures believers that God's promises will be fulfilled at the set time ordained by Him.
Cross-References:
Genesis 18:14: "Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son." This reference echoes the earlier promise made by God, emphasizing the divine assurance that nothing is too difficult for Him.
Hebrews 11:11-12: "By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised." The New Testament reflects on Sarah's faith in the fulfillment of God's promise, emphasizing the role of faith in God's miraculous acts.
In Our Spiritual Journey: Genesis 21:2 prompts us to reflect on our trust in God's promises. Are there areas in our lives where we are waiting for God's fulfillment? How does the birth of Isaac serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring forth the miraculous in our lives?
despair - misery
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible