Genesis 18:1-15

At the midday siesta Abraham suddenly becomes aware that three men are standing near his tent. That they appear with such mysterious suddenness does not, however, suggest their true character to him. He sees in them wayfarers, and treats them with prompt and generous hospitality. Addressing the leader, he proffers an invitation to rest and modest refreshment. He bids Sarah prepare cakes, kills a calf, procures soured milk and new milk, and sets this improvised meal, such as a Bedouin chief would offer to-day, before his guests, and while they eat stands in attendance. They ask after Sarah, and learn that she is in the tent. Yahweh promises that He will return and Sarah shall have a son. She is listening and laughs inwardly in incredulity. The visitors, who had shown themselves familiar with her name and childlessness, and who have promised a child, give a further proof of their mysterious powers to Sarah's dismay in detecting her unuttered thought, and repeat the promise, with a rebuke for her denial.

Genesis 18:3. My lord: the margin O Lord implies that Abraham recognised the Divine character of his guest, but this is incorrect.

Genesis 18:6. fine meal: literally meal, fine flour; the words fine flour are added by an editor, because meal offered to God must, according to P, be fine flour.

Genesis 18:12. laughed: the name Isaac means he laughs; at the promise of a child Abraham laughs (Genesis 17:17), and now Sarah. She refers in Genesis 21:6 to the laughter with which Isaac's birth will be greeted. She is roused to jealousy by seeing Ishmael's sporting (a participle from the same root) with him on equal terms when he is weaned (Genesis 21:9); in Genesis 26:8 Abimelech sees Isaac sporting with his wife.