Some time after God's visit with Abraham, he visits again. We can estimate that is visit was within a few months of the events of chapter 17. The math is simple: God told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year (12 months). It takes 9 or 10 months (depending on how you count it) to have a baby. Sarah does not seem to think she is pregnant (18:10 - 12). Therefore, it's not been more than 4 months since the last visit.
The visit begins with Abraham offering hospitality to God when He appeared to Abraham. During the visit, God addressed reiterated his promise from Chapter 17 (verse 18:10). Abraham was going to have a son by Sarah within a year.
What is interesting about this part of the visit is that we do not hear anything from Abraham once the meal has been arranged. The focus shifts to Sarah's response to the reiterated promise.
In 18:12, Sarah laughs much like Abraham did in 17:17. But the tone is a little different. In chapter 17 Abraham can't believe his ears when God says a new son will be the one to inherit the promise. Notice that chapter 17 does not end with Abraham explicitly expressing his belief in this promise. It might even be possible that he still couldn't believe his ears. But he demonstrates his trust in God when he immediately acts to obey His instructions. I tend to think Abraham was convinced based on his immediate action. But, if not, his trust in God is that much more evident when he obeys without being convinced.
Now, however, some time later, Sarah still isn't convinced. Some suggest that Abraham hadn't told her about the promise but I think that's highly unlikely. I imagine their household would have been in quite a state for several days after every man there had been circumcised. News would have reached her quickly and explanations would have been requested (at least).
The alternative to not being told is that she still didn't believe the promise. In his commentary "Genesis", Derek Kidner suggests this is the more likely explanation for her behavior. His view is based on the different treatment of Abraham and Sarah. When Abraham expressed disbelief in ch. 17, God reassures him (17:19). But in 18:13-14, God rebukes Sarah's laughter and her bitter response by reminding her, "is anything too hard for the Lord?" and by reiterating the promise. His tone seems matter-of-fact. So, I wonder why she lied about laughing in 15?
But look what God says in response to her lie: "You did laugh." He is not harsh but calmly states the truth and ends the exchange. I wonder if he is underscoring the promise he made with his pronouncement here. It's as if He is saying, "I know what I'm talking about. I know you laughed about this just as much as I know you will have a son by this time next year."
I think we can see an interesting characteristic about God here. He gave time for her to work through her unbelief on her own. But, when she could not get past her unbelief, he moves her forward with a firmer approach. While firm, he is not harsh or angry or condemning. He is calm, forthright, and matter-of-fact. Similarly, He DOES act on her unbelief with the exact amount of firmness required. It is comforting to know that He does this for his children.
My thoughts...
When we consider the voice of God, is this how he sounds to us?
When we present the truth to others, is this how we sound?
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