17:15,16
God now speaks to Abraham about Sarah. She too was to be given a new name, Sarah, rather than Sarai. The distinction between these two names is less clear than with Abraham’s name change, but may be a change from “my princess” to “mother of nations”. God would give Abraham a son by her. So we see that part of the problem with Abraham was that his picture of the promise from God was too small. At first he couldn’t see how he could have a son, then he didn’t think that Sarah could be the mother. God’s plans are greater and more perfect than we ever imagine (Eph 3:20).
17:17,18
Abraham fell face down, which was good, and laughed, which may not have been so good. He considered it impossible for a man of a hundred and a woman of ninety to have a child. This was presumably because they had gone so long without having children. As far as Abraham could see Ishmael was the only offspring he would have, so he asks God’s blessing on Ishmael. We should note that we are not the only ones to suffer from doubt!
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