Three Visitors and the Promise of a Son

One hot day Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent by the oaks of Mamre. The Lord appeared to him there. When Abraham looked up, he saw three men standing nearby. He ran to meet them, bowed low, and welcomed them as honoured guests.

Abraham invited them to stay a little while. He offered water for their feet and a place to rest under the tree. He said he would bring food so they could be refreshed before going on. They agreed, and Abraham hurried to prepare a meal.

Sarah quickly made cakes from fine meal. Abraham had a servant prepare a calf. Then Abraham brought butter, milk, and the calf, and set it before the visitors. While they ate under the tree, Abraham stood nearby.

Then they asked, “Where is Sarah your wife?” Abraham said she was in the tent. The Lord said that he would return at about that time next year, and Sarah would have a son. Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.

This promise sounded impossible. Abraham and Sarah were both old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself. The Lord asked Abraham why she laughed and said that nothing is too hard for him. Sarah was afraid and denied it, but he answered that she had laughed.