17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.
3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him,
4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,
13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”
17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”
18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”
19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”
22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.
23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
26 In the very same day Abraham was circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
27 So Abraham took Ishmael his son and all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
The True Meaning of Genesis 17
This passage from the book of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He recounts the covenant that God made with Abram, later known as Abraham, and the promises that were given to him. God reaffirms his covenant with Abraham in this chapter and provides him with a new name, as well as the promise of a son through his wife Sarah. This is a pivotal moment, as it sets the stage for the birth of Isaac, the child of the covenant, and the continuation of God’s plan for his chosen people. We also witness the institution of the rite of circumcision, which would become a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
Throughout this passage, we see echoes of God’s earlier promises to Abraham, as well as foreshadowing of the events to come, such as the birth of Isaac and the establishment of the nation of Israel. This chapter is a crucial stepping stone in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Genesis 17:1-8
God establishes a crucial covenant with Abram, who would later be renamed Abraham, in Genesis 17:1-8. This covenant marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it solidifies God’s promise to make Abraham the father of many nations. God appears to Abram in the first section of this passage and identifies Himself as God Almighty (El Shaddai). This revelation of God’s omnipotence and authority sets the stage for the covenant that is about to be made. God reassures Abram of His power to fulfill the promises He is about to make by revealing Himself in this way. God instructs Abram to walk before Him and be blameless as He begins to speak. This call to a blameless life is not just a moral exhortation but a reminder of the standard of holiness required for a relationship with God. It also sets the tone for the covenant that will require faith and obedience from Abram.
God then introduces the terms of the covenant: He promises to multiply Abram exceedingly and make him the father of many nations. This promise is significant not only in a literal sense but also in a spiritual sense, as it points to the future redemption of all people through faith in Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of this promise in the birth of Isaac, despite the advanced age of Abraham and Sarah, highlights God’s faithfulness and ability to bring about the impossible through His power. God institutes the rite of circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This physical mark on the body serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants. It signifies a separation from the world and a commitment to God’s ways. The requirement of circumcision also points forward to the importance of a circumcised heart, or a heart that is fully surrendered to God, as emphasized in the New Testament.
Throughout the Bible, the concept of circumcision is used to symbolize both physical and spiritual purification. Moses in Deuteronomy 10:16 speaks of circumcising the foreskin of the heart, emphasizing the inner transformation that God desires in His people. Paul writes in Romans 2:28-29 in the New Testament about the true circumcision being of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. This spiritual understanding of circumcision underscores the timeless message of the importance of true faith and heart transformation in our relationship with God. Genesis 17:1-8 is a foundational passage that sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through Abraham and his descendants. It highlights God’s faithfulness, power, and desire for a covenant relationship with His people based on faith and obedience. The themes of promise, faith, obedience, and covenant established in this passage resonate throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 17:9-14
The verse in Genesis 17:9-14 is part of the covenant between God and Abraham. Let’s break down this section into key parts for a detailed commentary.
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God then said to Abraham, “You must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.” God is reiterating the importance of the covenant He is making with Abraham in this section. The covenant is not only with Abraham but also with his descendants, emphasizing the continuity and lasting significance of the agreement. This foreshadows the establishment of the Israelite nation through Abraham’s lineage and the special relationship they would have with God. It underscores the principle of generational blessings and responsibilities, emphasizing how the choices of one generation can impact those that follow. This theme of generational blessings and the importance of passing down faith and righteousness is a recurring motif throughout the Bible.
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“This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” – Circumcision plays a crucial role in this passage as it becomes the external sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants. This act sets apart the people of Israel as the chosen ones, marking them as God’s own. Circumcision was a physical reminder of the spiritual commitment and relationship Israel had with God. It symbolized the cutting away of the old self, a sign of consecration, purification, and a separation unto God. This physical act had deep spiritual meaning, pointing towards a heart that is set apart for God. This act of circumcision also served as a reminder of the promise of many descendants that God had made to Abraham. The idea of outward signs reflecting inward faith is a common theme in the Bible. Paul later explains in the New Testament that true circumcision is of the heart (Romans 2:29).
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“You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. For the generations to come, every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised…” – The specificity of circumcision being performed on the eighth day is significant. The number eight symbolizes new beginnings, and the timing of circumcision on the eighth day symbolizes a fresh start or a new creation in relationship with God. This also underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The adherence to and observance of this covenantal sign was a demonstration of faith and submission to God’s will. The meticulous observance of this ritual from generation to generation highlighted the Israelites’ commitment to uphold the covenant with God. This attention to detail in carrying out God’s commands sets a precedent for the meticulous observance of laws and ordinances seen throughout the Old Testament. Genesis 17:9-14 captures the establishment of the covenant between God and Abraham through the sign of circumcision. This covenant provided the foundation for the relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their unique status and calling as God’s chosen people. The significance of circumcision as a symbol of consecration, purification, and loyalty to God highlights the importance of outward expressions of faith and obedience. It sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Israel’s journey as a nation and their role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The covenantal relationship established here with Abraham would have far-reaching implications throughout the Old Testament and beyond, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 17:15-22
God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah is the primary focus of Genesis 17:15-22. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a more detailed commentary. God also said to Abraham, “You are no longer to call your wife Sarai; her name will be Sarah.” God changes Sarai’s name to Sarah in this section, indicating a significant shift in her identity and purpose. The name change signifies a transformation in her life, a symbolic act that aligns her with God’s plan for her and her role in the covenant. This renaming by God is a common occurrence in the Bible, signifying a new beginning or a divine purpose. It shows God’s authority and his intimate involvement in the lives of his chosen ones, shaping them for his ultimate plan. Sarah, previously unable to conceive, will soon bear a child at an advanced age, highlighting God’s power to bring about the impossible.
Section 2: “I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (Genesis 17:16)
This section reveals God’s promise to Sarah that she will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant promises will be fulfilled. The mention of Sarah becoming the mother of nations emphasizes the significance of Isaac’s lineage in shaping the future of God’s chosen people. Not only will Sarah have a child, but her offspring will have a profound impact on the world, demonstrating God’s ability to work through unlikely circumstances to bring about His divine plan. This promise speaks to the theme of God’s faithfulness and his ability to fulfill his word, even when it seems impossible in human terms.
Section 3: “Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, ‘Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?’” (Genesis 17:17)
Abraham’s reaction to God’s promise reveals a mix of doubt and amazement. Despite his laughter and skepticism, this moment showcases the human struggle with faith and the tension between what seems feasible in the natural realm versus what God can accomplish supernaturally. Abraham’s response reflects his struggle to fully grasp the magnitude of God’s power and sovereignty. It also serves as a reminder that God’s plans often defy human logic and expectations, requiring faith and trust in His promises.
Section 4: “He said, ‘Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.’” (Genesis 17:19)
God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, specifying that it will be through Sarah’s son, Isaac, that the covenant will continue. The naming of Isaac holds special significance as it means “he laughs,” possibly referencing both Abraham and Sarah’s initial reactions to the news of his birth. This reinforces the idea that God’s plans are not hindered by human doubt or limitations, but are firm and certain, extending to future generations. The notion of an everlasting covenant emphasizes the perpetual nature of God’s promises and His commitment to His chosen people throughout history. God’s faithfulness, power, and sovereignty in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham and Sarah are showcased in this passage in Genesis 17:15-22. It highlights the transformative nature of God’s promises, the importance of faith in His plans, and the miraculous ways in which He works to bring about His purposes. The story of Abraham and Sarah serves as a testament to the enduring trustworthiness of God and His ability to bring about redemption and blessings through unlikely circumstances. This narrative echoes themes found throughout the Bible, emphasizing the central role of faith, obedience, and the divine orchestration of events in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for His people.
Genesis 17:23-27
Abraham and his household obeyed the covenant of circumcision established by God, as witnessed in Genesis 17:23-27. This passage is crucial as it underscores the significance of the covenant between God and Abraham, which plays a pivotal role in the overall narrative of the Bible. Abraham immediately acts on God’s command to circumcise all the males in his household, including himself, Ishmael, and every male born in his household or bought with his money when we delve into the verses. This act of circumcision was to serve as a visible sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, symbolizing their commitment and obedience to God’s will. It was a physical mark that set apart the people of God.
Abraham’s swift obedience to God’s command is a testament to his faith and trust in God. Despite the physical pain and discomfort that circumcision would bring, Abraham did not hesitate to carry out what God had instructed him to do. This highlights the level of faith and devotion that Abraham had in his relationship with God, setting him apart as a role model for believers to emulate.
The act of circumcision also holds broader theological implications within the Bible. The New Testament often refers to circumcision metaphorically as a symbol of the circumcision of the heart. This spiritual circumcision signifies a cutting away of sin and a commitment to obedient living before God. Paul speaks of a circumcision performed by Christ in Colossians 2:11, emphasizing the spiritual transformation that occurs through faith in Him, not by human hands.
Furthermore, the mention of Ishmael in this passage is significant as it sets the stage for his narrative arc in the Bible. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham through Hagar, plays a significant role in the Abrahamic story, ultimately becoming the father of the Arab nations. His inclusion in the covenant of circumcision demonstrates God’s care and provision for him as part of Abraham’s household, despite not being the child of promise through whom God’s covenant would be established. Genesis 17:23-27 highlights the theme of obedience, faith, and the establishment of the covenant between God and Abraham through the rite of circumcision. It showcases Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promises and sets the stage for the broader theological implications of circumcision as seen in the New Testament. This passage serves as a foundational moment in the Abrahamic narrative, reinforcing the importance of obedience and faith in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
After Genesis 17
The Lord had made a covenant with Abram, promising him a son and countless descendants. Yet, Abram and Sarai remained childless. Their faith was tested as the years passed. But the Lord was faithful, and in this chapter, He appeared to Abram once more, reaffirming His promise and establishing the covenant of circumcision.
Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, signifying his new role as the father of many nations. The Lord also renamed Sarai as Sarah, for she would bear a son. Though Abraham and Sarah were advanced in years, the Lord’s word would not fail. The stage was set for the miraculous birth that would soon take place, ushering in a new era in the unfolding of God’s plan for His chosen people.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.