1-2 During the hottest part of one scorching desert day, Abraham was chillin’ at the entrance of his tent. (This is when they were living by the previously mentioned oaks of Mamre.) He looked up and suddenly saw three men(a) standing nearby. The Lᴏʀᴅ was once again making an appearance. As soon as Abraham saw the men he realized that something significant was afoot, so he jumped up from his spot by the tent and ran (yes, ran!) to welcome them. He respectfully bowed and 3 said, “My Lord,
it is an honor that you have stopped here. But it would be an even greater honor to your servant, if you would be so kind as to accept my hospitality.
4 We’ll bring some water so you can wash your feet and relax under the tree. 5 And then I’d like to offer you a little bite to eat to rebuild your strength for the journey. After that, you can be on your way. Please,
please accept my hospitality. It would be such a great honor to serve
you.
“Thank you,” they responded, “that would be very nice.”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Get about
22 liters of the really good flour and make some fresh bread!” 7 Abraham then ran (yes, ran) out to his cattle, chose a really healthy young calf, and gave it to a young servant to prepare -- which he did -- quickly. 8 Then Abraham set in front of the three visitors the “little bite to eat.” He stood near them under the tree as they feasted on the butter, milk, and veal.
9 “Where’s your wife Sarah?” they asked Abraham. “Oh, she’s right here in the tent,” he replied.
10 Then one of the men said, “I will definitely be returning to visit you about this time next year. By then, Sarah will already have given birth to a son!”
Sarah was listening in on the conversation from behind at the tent door. 11 (Now, Abraham and Sarah were both very old -- and growing older every day. Sarah was long past childbearing age.) 12 And when she heard this, Sarah laughed quietly to herself, thinking, at this age my body can’t bear children and my husband is so old that he’d struggle to do his part.
13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can an old woman like me give birth?’ 14 Is anything impossible for the Lᴏʀᴅ? When
I return at this time next year, Sarah will have a son.”
15 Sarah denied laughing because she was afraid -- not knowing how
the stranger could have heard her.
But he said, “You’re so busted. You definitely laughed.”
(a) -- The Lord and two angels. See 18:22, 19:1.
