Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous conception of Sarah is a significant event in the biblical narrative, highlighting God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a central figure in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham.Background and Promise Sarah's account begins with her introduction in Genesis 11:29-30, where it is noted that she was barren and had no children. Despite her barrenness, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants. In Genesis 12:2, God tells Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." The promise of a son is reiterated in Genesis 15:4-5, where God assures Abraham that his heir will come from his own body and that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. However, as time passed and Sarah remained childless, doubt and impatience led to the birth of Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah's maidservant (Genesis 16). Divine Intervention and Fulfillment Despite the human attempt to fulfill God's promise through Ishmael, God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham and specifically included Sarah in the promise. In Genesis 17:15-16, God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become nations; kings of peoples will come from her." The miraculous nature of Sarah's conception is underscored by her advanced age. In Genesis 18:11, it is noted that "Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years, and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing." When Sarah overheard the Lord's promise of a son within a year, she laughed in disbelief, questioning the possibility of bearing a child at her age (Genesis 18:12). God's response to Sarah's laughter is a profound declaration of His omnipotence: "Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son" (Genesis 18:14). Birth of Isaac True to God's promise, Sarah conceived and bore a son, Isaac, at the appointed time. Genesis 21:1-2 records this miraculous event: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." The birth of Isaac is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant. Sarah's joy and amazement are captured in her words: "God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6). Isaac, whose name means "he laughs," symbolizes the joy and fulfillment of God's promise. Theological Significance Sarah's miraculous conception is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to accomplish His purposes despite human limitations and doubts. The birth of Isaac not only fulfilled God's promise to Abraham and Sarah but also set the stage for the development of the nation of Israel and the eventual coming of the Messiah through their lineage. Sarah's account is a powerful example of faith and the transformative power of God's promises, encouraging believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about His will in seemingly impossible circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:1,2And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had spoken. Nave's Topical Index Library Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... The Temptation of Jesus Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Homilies on the Gospel of John. The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Resources What is traducianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhen does a life in the womb become a human being? | GotQuestions.org What is Mariology? | GotQuestions.org Conception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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