Genesis Vol 3.pdf - College Press

THE OLD COVENANT 17:l-27
mode in which it is to be fulfilled. Laughing in Scripture
expresses joy in the countenance, as dancing does in the
whole body.” Jarnieson (CSCG, 153) : “Jt was not the
sneer of unbelief, but a smile of delight at the prospect of
so improbable an event (Rom. 4:20) ; he fully believed the
word of God; there was humility blended with wonder and
joy. This is what our Lord alluded to, John 8:Ii6. As
Abraham saw heaven in the promise of Canaan, so he saw
Christ in the promise of Isaac (laughter.) ” “Abraham’s
laughter is to be echoed by Sarah’s, 18:12, and Ishmael’s,
2 1 :9 (see also 2 1 :6) : each is an allusion to the name Isaac
. . . which means, ‘May God smile, be kind’ or ‘has smiled,
has been kind.’ Abraham’s laughter is a sign not so much
of unbelief as of surprise at the extraordinary announce-
ment; his mention of Ishmael, present heir-apparent to the
Promise, is an implicit request for reassurance.” Speiser
would render it, he swiled, anticipating the personal name
Isaac. He adds (ABG, 125): “A Hurro-Hittite tale de-
scribes the father (Appu) as placing his newborn son on
his knees and rejoicing over him. Such acts were often
the basis for naming the child accordingly. The shortened
form Zsaac (with the subject left out) undoubtedly re-
flects some such symbolic gesture: (X) rejoiced over,
smiled on (the child) , etc.” Leupold (EG, 527) : “From
what follows it becomes very clear that Abraham’s atti’tude
in no way lays him open to blame. Nothihg is indicative
of doubt or misgivings in his reply. Consequently, when
he falls upon his face, this is an act of worshipful adoration.
Also his laughter is the laughter of joy and surprise. A host
of glad feelings is called forth in him at this precious
promise. So, too, the questions express no doubt but
happy wonder. For saying ‘to himself’ the Hebrew uses
the more expressive belibbo, ‘in his heart.’ ” “Abraham
laughed, in virtue of his firm belief of the promise, and
his satisfaction therein (Rom. 4: 16-2 5 , John 8 : 5 6 ) ; but
2 67