(1) Repeated words/phrase: Sarah will bear a son v.16, 19, 21 (A name for the son had been chosen, the time for the promise to come true had set v.21)
(EBC) She, in her old age, was to be the one through whom it would be demonstrated that God alone could fulfill his covenanted promise
(2) Disbelief and bow down
17 Then Abraham bowed down with his face to the ground and laughed as he said to himself, “Can a son be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”
Laughed=(NET) The Hebrew verb used here provides the basis for the naming of Isaac: “And he laughed” is וַיִּצְחָק (vayyitskhaq); the name “Isaac” is יִצְחָק (yitskhaq), “he laughs.” Abraham’s (and Sarah’s, see 18:12) laughter signals disbelief, but when the boy is born, the laughter signals surprise and joy.
Can=(NET) The imperfect verbal form here carries a potential nuance, as it expresses the disbelief of Abraham.
v.19 Isaac (BKC) His name would be a constant reminder that a word from God was laughed at.
(EBC) Abraham is not depicted here as one whose faith in God has reached full maturity; rather he is one whose faith must still be pushed beyond its present limits. His faith must grow if he is to continue to put his trust in God’s promise...Thus, for the author of the book, both the power of God and the limitations of human faith are embodied in that most ambiguous of human acts, laughter.
Reflections: When Ab bowed down he knew that he needed to be humble in front of God. However, he could not accept that God could do anything beyond his knowledge. God did not need our help. Ab had a hard time to believe that. Do I have a hard time to believe things that I do not see any sign of possibility? Do I believe that b/s will grow spiritually if I continue to teach them the Bible? Do I believe that b/s's life will change by the Bible? I almost lost faith in these 2 issues now.
(3) The blessings to the excluded party
20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes; I will make him into a great nation.
When God made it very clear that Isaac would be the one that God would confirm His covenant, and Ishmael would be excluded, God also made it very clear that He would bless Ishmael. He would be blessed because of the request of Abraham. God did not give equal blessings to Abraham's other sons who were born from his concubines.
Reflection: God extended His blessings to the other son of Abraham when he prayed for him, even he was not part of the covenant. He is a gracious God. How about me? Do I pray for other people?
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