The answer is: Three

Genesis 18:1-2 - Three angels visited Abraham near the oaks of Mamre, one of whom confirmed that Sarah would bear a son within the year.

When Abraham was chilling near the oaks of Mamre, he encountered three visitors who turned out to be a divine delegation. Let’s break this down a bit. The number three can be significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing completeness or divine wholeness—think of other notable triads like the three gifts of the Magi or the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit expressions in some traditions. Here, it represents not just angels, but a divine setup!

While the three may have initially seemed like mere travelers, they carried an important message: after years of waiting and doubting, Sarah was going to have a baby boy named Isaac, whose name means "laughter." Graphic twist, right? It symbolizes joy and fulfillment after a season of distress. Imagine the joy—especially for Sarah, who chuckled with disbelief at the age of 90!

It's also worth noting the cultural backdrop. Hospitality during this time was sacred; Abraham’s warm welcome mirrored virtues highly valued among many ancient traditions. Are we hearing echoes of this familiar tale in our discussions of community and stewardship?

The story beautifully weaves themes of faith, doubt, and divine communication, all while reminding us of the human experiences we share today—where hope and laughter triumph over adversity! The narrative invites us to reflect on how we perceive promise, predicament, and divine possibilities in our own lives.