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Genesis 4:9
And the LORD said unto Cain, Whereis Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not:Am I my brother's keeper?

in.

Genesis 24:67
And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother'sdeath.

Genesis 31:33
And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he foundthem not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

Titus 2:5
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

they asked.
The plural form "they" indicates that all three visitors are involved in the conversation, though one of them, often interpreted as the Lord, takes the lead in the dialogue. This interaction is part of a theophany, where God appears in human form. The presence of these visitors is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the announcement of Isaac's birth. The divine nature of the visitors is further confirmed by their knowledge and authority, which is consistent with other biblical theophanies, such as the appearance of the Angel of the Lord in various Old Testament passages.

“There, in the tent,” he replied.
Abraham's response indicates Sarah's location within the tent, a typical dwelling structure of the time, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. The tent symbolizes domestic life and the private sphere, where women traditionally resided. This setting underscores the cultural norms of the period, where hospitality and the separation of gender roles were customary. The tent also serves as a backdrop for the miraculous announcement that follows, highlighting the contrast between the ordinary setting and the extraordinary promise of God. This moment is a precursor to the fulfillment of God's covenant, as Sarah's presence in the tent signifies her integral role in the divine plan.

• The visitors’ first words to Abraham after receiving his hospitality spotlight Sarah by name, showing their personal knowledge of the household (compareJohn 10:3, “He calls his own sheep by name”).

• By asking for Sarah, they signal that their message concerns her directly, much like the angel’s greeting to Mary inLuke 1:28, preparing her for a miraculous birth announcement.

• The question affirms the created order of marriage: Abraham is the head, yet Sarah is honored as a partner (1 Peter 3:7). God involves both spouses when revealing His plans.

• “They” refers to the three men who appeared inGenesis 18:2, one of whom is later identified as the LORD (18:13, 17). The plural voice underscores a heavenly council in unity—echoingGenesis 1:26, “Let Us make man.”

• Their inquiry models divine initiative: God pursues relationship and revelation rather than waiting for humans to guess His will (Amos 3:7).

• The polite tone reminds us that God’s questions are never for His information but for our invitation, as inGenesis 3:9, “Where are you?”

• Abraham points to the modest, domestic sphere where Sarah is engaged in ordinary work, parallelingProverbs 31:27, “She watches over the affairs of her household.”

• The tent signifies pilgrimage;Hebrews 11:9 notes that Abraham “dwelt in tents,” reflecting faith in promises not yet seen. God meets His people within their everyday, transient settings, not just grand sanctuaries (Acts 7:48).

• By directing attention to the tent, Abraham unknowingly sets the stage for the Lord to turn that commonplace space into a cradle of the covenant’s fulfillment (Genesis 18:10).

• Abraham answers promptly and respectfully, modeling the ready obedience that characterized his walk sinceGenesis 12:4, “So Abram went as the LORD had told him.”

• His reply conveys transparency; nothing is hidden from the Lord’s sight (Hebrews 4:13).

• The brief exchange exposes Sarah’s proximity to the conversation, ensuring she hears the forthcoming promise firsthand, just as Rebecca later overhears Isaac’s words inGenesis 27:5, shaping covenant history.

Genesis 18:9 pivots the narrative from generous hospitality to divine revelation. The Lord singles out Sarah, affirming her indispensable role in the covenant. His question draws her into the promise of a son, transforming an ordinary tent into the birthplace of faith’s next chapter. Abraham’s straightforward answer displays trust and openness before God, demonstrating that when the Lord inquires, He is inviting His people into deeper partnership with His unfolding plan.

Where is Sarah thy wife?--This question is contrary to Oriental manners, as the women may be referred to only in the most indirect manner. But during the meal Abraham, as he talked with the strangers, had probably begun to recognise in them something more than human.