Genesis 18:12 - John Trapp Complete Commentary

Bible Comments

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Ver. 12. Sarah laughed.] God's promises seem absurd and ridiculous, many of them, to human reason, which therefore must be silenced, and shut out, as Hagar was; for it will argue carnally, as that unbelieving lord 2Ki 7:2 storms at God's offers, as Naaman at the message 2Ki 5:11 looks upon God's Jordan with Syrian eyes, as he, and after all, cries out with Nicodemus, "How can these things be?" Joh 3:4 measuring God by its own model; and casting him into its own mould.

After I am waxed old, shall I lust?] Old and cold, is our English proverb; and the Greek word for an old body signifies one in whom natural heat is extinct. a It is a most undecent thing to see the pleasure of youth prevailing in times of age, among old decrepit goats. Were it not monstrous to behold green apples on a tree in winter?

My lord being old also?] This was the only good word in the whole sentence: God takes notice of it, and by St Peter records it to her eternal commendation; 1Pe 3:6 yea, he was so well pleased with her subjection to her husband, whom she here in her heart calleth Lord, that he is content to forgive her great sin of unbelief.

a Pρεσβυς, α πυρ et σβεω

Genesis 18:12

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?