God’s promise to Abraham is tested by impatience and human effort, Hagar and Ishmael enter the story as a result of this.

Abraham and his wife struggle with the tension between trusting God and trying to help Him along. Yet God remains faithful, He reaffirms His covenant, renames Abram and Sarai, and promises a son through Sarah.

In Genesis 18, God’s nearness stands out as He listens, speaks, and reveals both mercy and justice.