Genesis 17: God's Covenant and the Promise of a Future
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Genesis 17, a pivotal chapter in the story of Abraham, unveils God's profound commitment to His covenant promises. At 99 years old, Abram receives a life-altering visit from God, a meeting filled with both familiar assurances and new, demanding requirements. This chapter marks a significant turning point, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises and revealing the depth of His character.
God's Renewed Covenant and the Call to Blamelessness
Genesis 17:1 finds Abram at 99 years old, twenty-four years removed from God's initial promise of a son. With Sarai unable to conceive, the prospect of fulfilling God's promise through her seemed increasingly improbable. Yet, God declares, "I am God Almighty." The Hebrew name used here, El Shaddai, emphasizes God's limitless power and ability to accomplish what seems impossible. God's message to Abram is clear: "Walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1). This call to blamelessness isn't about achieving perfection, but about living in faithful obedience and alignment with God's will, trusting in His power to fulfill His promises. Abram's part in the covenant was to live in God's presence and remain faithful.
A Covenant Confirmed and a Name Transformed
God reiterates his covenant with Abram, promising to multiply him greatly (Genesis 17:2). Abram's response, falling facedown before God (Genesis 17:3), embodies both reverence and faith, a combination that honors God and opens the door for further revelation. Names in the Bible hold deep significance, reflecting identity and purpose. God changes Abram's name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), signifying a transformation in his destiny. Abram, meaning "exalted father," becomes Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude." This name change, even before the promise is fulfilled, underscores the expansive nature of God's plan – Abraham would not just be the father of one nation, but of many. Even though Abram's circumstances hadn't changed, God changed his name to fit his promise. Sometimes, we focus on changing our circumstances when God desires to change our identity to align with His purposes.
Circumcision: A Sign of the Covenant
God establishes circumcision as the sign of His renewed covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). Every male in Abraham's household, and in generations to come, was to be circumcised as a physical representation of their commitment to the covenant. This painful procedure highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship and the commitment God expects from His people. Circumcision served a dual purpose. First, it signified the lineage through which the covenant would be carried, passing from Abraham to Isaac, then to Jacob, and so on. Second, it served as a constant reminder of God's intention to remove impurity and establish holiness within His people. While circumcision has been replaced by baptism in the New Covenant as a sign of our participation in God's kingdom, the principle remains: God calls us to a life of purity and devotion. Baptism serves as a sign that we are living in accordance with God’s covenant and allowing his kingdom rule to govern our lives.
Sarah: Princess and Mother of Nations
Just as Abram receives a new name, so too does Sarai. God renames her Sarah, meaning "princess" (Genesis 17:15). This new name accompanies a renewed promise: she will bear a son and be the mother of nations, with kings coming from her (Genesis 17:16). This is an astounding declaration, considering Sarah's advanced age and previous barrenness.
Laughter and the Promise of Isaac
Abraham's reaction to the news of Sarah's future pregnancy is one of disbelief and laughter (Genesis 17:17). He struggles to comprehend how a woman of ninety could possibly conceive. Yet, God, in His wisdom and humor, decides to use Abraham's laughter as a lasting reminder of His miraculous power. God declares that Sarah will bear a son, and Abraham will name him Isaac, meaning "he laughs" (Genesis 17:19). Every time Abraham speaks his son's name, he will be reminded of his initial doubt and God's faithfulness to fulfill His promise. God always gets the last laugh.
Immediate Obedience and a Legacy of Faith
Despite his initial disbelief, Abraham immediately obeys God's command to circumcise himself and all the males in his household (Genesis 17:23-27). This act of obedience, particularly given Abraham's age, is a testament to his growing faith and trust in God. Abraham's prompt action underscores his commitment to the covenant and his willingness to follow God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or incomprehensible. This obedience is a powerful example for believers today, demonstrating the importance of responding to God's call with immediate and unwavering faith.
Genesis 17 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His promises, His power to accomplish the impossible, and His desire for a covenant relationship with His people. It’s a chapter that highlights the transformative power of faith, the importance of obedience, and the enduring legacy of Abraham, the father of many nations.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Genesis 17, a pivotal chapter in the story of Abraham, unveils God's profound commitment to His covenant promises. At 99 years old, Abram receives a life-altering visit from God, a meeting filled with both familiar assurances and new, demanding requirements. This chapter marks a significant turning point, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises and revealing the depth of His character.
God's Renewed Covenant and the Call to Blamelessness
Genesis 17:1 finds Abram at 99 years old, twenty-four years removed from God's initial promise of a son. With Sarai unable to conceive, the prospect of fulfilling God's promise through her seemed increasingly improbable. Yet, God declares, "I am God Almighty." The Hebrew name used here, El Shaddai, emphasizes God's limitless power and ability to accomplish what seems impossible. God's message to Abram is clear: "Walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1). This call to blamelessness isn't about achieving perfection, but about living in faithful obedience and alignment with God's will, trusting in His power to fulfill His promises. Abram's part in the covenant was to live in God's presence and remain faithful.
A Covenant Confirmed and a Name Transformed
God reiterates his covenant with Abram, promising to multiply him greatly (Genesis 17:2). Abram's response, falling facedown before God (Genesis 17:3), embodies both reverence and faith, a combination that honors God and opens the door for further revelation. Names in the Bible hold deep significance, reflecting identity and purpose. God changes Abram's name to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), signifying a transformation in his destiny. Abram, meaning "exalted father," becomes Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude." This name change, even before the promise is fulfilled, underscores the expansive nature of God's plan – Abraham would not just be the father of one nation, but of many. Even though Abram's circumstances hadn't changed, God changed his name to fit his promise. Sometimes, we focus on changing our circumstances when God desires to change our identity to align with His purposes.
Circumcision: A Sign of the Covenant
God establishes circumcision as the sign of His renewed covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). Every male in Abraham's household, and in generations to come, was to be circumcised as a physical representation of their commitment to the covenant. This painful procedure highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship and the commitment God expects from His people. Circumcision served a dual purpose. First, it signified the lineage through which the covenant would be carried, passing from Abraham to Isaac, then to Jacob, and so on. Second, it served as a constant reminder of God's intention to remove impurity and establish holiness within His people. While circumcision has been replaced by baptism in the New Covenant as a sign of our participation in God's kingdom, the principle remains: God calls us to a life of purity and devotion. Baptism serves as a sign that we are living in accordance with God’s covenant and allowing his kingdom rule to govern our lives.
Sarah: Princess and Mother of Nations
Just as Abram receives a new name, so too does Sarai. God renames her Sarah, meaning "princess" (Genesis 17:15). This new name accompanies a renewed promise: she will bear a son and be the mother of nations, with kings coming from her (Genesis 17:16). This is an astounding declaration, considering Sarah's advanced age and previous barrenness.
Laughter and the Promise of Isaac
Abraham's reaction to the news of Sarah's future pregnancy is one of disbelief and laughter (Genesis 17:17). He struggles to comprehend how a woman of ninety could possibly conceive. Yet, God, in His wisdom and humor, decides to use Abraham's laughter as a lasting reminder of His miraculous power. God declares that Sarah will bear a son, and Abraham will name him Isaac, meaning "he laughs" (Genesis 17:19). Every time Abraham speaks his son's name, he will be reminded of his initial doubt and God's faithfulness to fulfill His promise. God always gets the last laugh.
Immediate Obedience and a Legacy of Faith
Despite his initial disbelief, Abraham immediately obeys God's command to circumcise himself and all the males in his household (Genesis 17:23-27). This act of obedience, particularly given Abraham's age, is a testament to his growing faith and trust in God. Abraham's prompt action underscores his commitment to the covenant and his willingness to follow God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or incomprehensible. This obedience is a powerful example for believers today, demonstrating the importance of responding to God's call with immediate and unwavering faith.
Genesis 17 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His promises, His power to accomplish the impossible, and His desire for a covenant relationship with His people. It’s a chapter that highlights the transformative power of faith, the importance of obedience, and the enduring legacy of Abraham, the father of many nations.