The story of Abraham to this point reveals the struggle he has had to live with and fulfil the promise of his calling (12.1-3). Abraham and his wife Sarah are very old and have had no children. This is something they are sad about. This chapter introduces a dramatic change of events. It begins with the rather strange arrival of three men — or were they angels or the presence of God (vv. 1-3)? This emphasises the way in which God’s purpose for Abraham has become caught up in the ambiguities of his life.

It is not clear what is happening. Abraham offers characteristic desert hospitality but it seems over-generous in the circumstances. Some suggest this is because he is at last taking his responsibility to be a blessing to the world, come who may, seriously. As the story begins to introduce Sarah, Abraham becomes more marginal. It is about Sarah fulfilling God’s plan. Sarah laughed to herself when the visitors said she would be with child. How often do we laugh when we think of what God might have planned?