Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
Then Abraham - laughed - I am astonished to find learned and pious men considering this as a token of Abraham' s weakness of faith or unbelief, when they have the most positive assurance from the Spirit of God himself that Abraham was not weak but strong in the faith; that he staggered not at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God, Romans 4:19, Romans 4:20. It is true the same word is used, Genesis 18:12, concerning Sarah, in whom it was certainly a sign of doubtfulness, though mixed with pleasure at the thought of the possibility of her becoming a mother; but we know how possible it is to express both faith and unbelief in the same way, and even pleasure and disdain have been expressed by a smile or laugh. By laughing Abraham undoubtedly expressed his joy at the prospect of the fulfillment of so glorious a promise; and from this very circumstance Isaac had his name. yitschak , which we change into Isaac, signifies laughter; and it is the same word which is used in the verse before us: Abraham fell on his face, vaiyitschak , and he laughed; and to the joy which he felt on this occasion our Lord evidently alludes, John 8:56 : Your father Abraham Rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was Glad. And to commemorate this joy he called his son' s name Isaac. See note on Genesis 21:6.
Other Adam Clarke entries containing Genesis 17:17:
Genesis 12:11
Genesis 18:12
Exodus 12:40
Luke 1:7
Luke 1:7
Galatians 4:29
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