Genesis 21:2

KJV

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Sarah {H8283} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} Abraham {H85} a son {H1121} in his old age {H2208}, at the set time {H4150} of which God {H430} had spoken {H1696} to him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sarah conceived and bore Avraham a son in his old age, at the very time God had said to him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.

American Standard Version

And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:2 records the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, fulfilling God's long-standing covenant promise precisely "at the set time." This verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness, His power to transcend natural limitations, and the perfection of His divine timing, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding of the Abrahamic covenant.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 21:2 marks a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic narrative, the long-awaited fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham and Sarah. For decades, God had promised Abraham a son through whom his descendants would become a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's initial promise to Abraham")). However, both Abraham and Sarah were well past childbearing age, making the prospect humanly impossible; Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 when Isaac was born. This verse directly follows the birth of Isaac, confirming the miraculous nature of the event and the precise timing of God's intervention, as previously foretold ([Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "The Lord's specific promise of a son 'at the set time'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 21:2 states simply and powerfully: "For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him." This verse is a testament to the sovereign power and meticulous faithfulness of God. The phrase "in his old age" underscores the human impossibility of the birth, magnifying the divine intervention. Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90, well past the natural childbearing years, emphasizing that this was not a natural occurrence but a supernatural act of God.

The crucial phrase, "at the set time," translates the Hebrew word *mo'ed* (מוֹעֵד), which signifies an appointed time, a fixed season, or a divinely ordained assembly. Its use here emphasizes that God's promise was not vague or open-ended, but precisely scheduled and executed with perfect timing. This highlights God's divine precision and sovereignty, demonstrating that His plans unfold according to His perfect calendar, not human expectations or limitations. The birth of Isaac was not a random event but the culmination of a divinely ordained plan, meticulously brought to pass.

The verse also implicitly speaks to:
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The primary message is God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances and the long delay (decades since the initial promise), God fulfills His word precisely "at the set time." This highlights that God's promises are sure and will come to pass according to His perfect schedule.
* **Miraculous Power of God:** The birth of Isaac demonstrates God's ability to transcend natural limitations and bring about His will. It underscores that what is impossible with man is possible with God ([Luke 18:27](/luke/18-27 "Jesus' teaching on God's ability to do the impossible")).
* **Fulfillment of Covenant:** This birth is a vital step in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, laying the groundwork for the nation of Israel and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Impeccable Timing:** The concept of "the set time" (Hebrew: *mo'ed*) is a recurring biblical theme, illustrating that God operates on His own divine calendar, not ours. His timing is always perfect, even when it requires patience and faith from His people. This theme resonates throughout scripture, from the Exodus occurring "at the set time" to Christ's advent "in the fullness of time."
* **Sovereignty Over Nature:** Isaac's birth, defying natural biological limits, showcases God's absolute sovereignty over creation and natural processes. He is not bound by the laws He established, but can suspend or work through them miraculously to achieve His purposes.
* **Promise and Fulfillment:** This verse is a powerful demonstration of God's promise-keeping nature. It establishes a pattern of divine promise followed by certain fulfillment, building a foundation of trust for all future divine declarations.
* **Faith Tested and Rewarded:** The long wait for Isaac tested Abraham and Sarah's faith, but God's faithfulness ultimately rewarded their perseverance. This narrative encourages believers to maintain faith even when promises seem delayed or impossible.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is utterly faithful to His promises. When facing seemingly impossible situations or enduring long waits for prayer requests, we can rest assured that God is faithful to His word and will act according to His perfect will. We often desire immediate results, but this verse teaches the value of patience and trusting God's perfect timing; His delay is not denial, but often preparation for His appointed season. The miraculous birth of Isaac serves as a powerful reminder that no circumstance is too difficult for the Lord; He can work beyond human limitations to accomplish His purposes, just as Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness ([Romans 4:20-21](/romans/4-20 "Abraham's strong faith in God's promise")). Therefore, we are called to wait with hopeful expectation, knowing that what God has spoken, He will surely bring to pass.

### FAQ
**Why is the timing of Isaac's birth emphasized as "at the set time"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "at the set time" (Hebrew: *mo'ed*) highlights God's divine precision and sovereignty. It underscores that Isaac's birth was not a random event or a delayed fulfillment, but the exact culmination of God's pre-ordained plan, demonstrating His perfect control over all circumstances and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. It assures us that God's timing is always perfect, even when it requires human patience.

**Does Isaac's birth have significance beyond the Abrahamic covenant?**

Answer: Yes, Isaac's miraculous birth has profound significance beyond the immediate covenant. It foreshadows God's ability to bring life from barrenness, a theme echoed in the births of Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. More importantly, Isaac, the son of promise, becomes a type of Christ, the ultimate Son of Promise, born miraculously and through whom all nations would be blessed. His birth also solidifies the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of Isaac "at the set time" serves as a profound precursor to the ultimate "set time" in redemptive history: the advent of Jesus Christ. Just as Isaac was born to elderly, barren parents, demonstrating God's power to bring life from what was humanly impossible, so too was Christ conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, a supernatural birth transcending natural limitations ([Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34 "Mary's question and the angel's reply about Jesus' conception")). Isaac, the son of promise through whom the covenant line continued, prefigures Jesus, the Son of God, who is the fulfillment of all God's promises and the ultimate heir of the Abrahamic covenant. Through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham, God's promise to bless all nations is realized, bringing spiritual life to those who were spiritually barren and dead in sin ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Paul's explanation of the 'seed' of Abraham")). Thus, Isaac's birth is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, culminating in the perfect timing of Christ's arrival to redeem humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.