Genesis 17
The Covenant of Circumcision
Overview
God appears to Abram as El Shaddai, establishes circumcision as the covenant sign, and renames Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah.
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Introduction
Genesis 17-18 teaches that God is faithful to His promises despite human impossibilities, requiring trust even when scenarios seem laughable. These chapters highlight that God initiates covenants (signified by circumcision), renames individuals to reflect new identities, and demonstrates that nothing is too hard for Him.
God Appears as El Shaddai
[1-2] When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him:
- [1] "I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me faithfully and be blameless."
- [2] "Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."
The New Names
[5, 15] God gives new names to reflect their new identity:
- Abram to Abraham: [5] "No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations."
- Sarai to Sarah: [15] "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah (princess)."
The Sign of Circumcision
[9-14] God establishes circumcision as the sign of the covenant:
- [10-11] "This is my covenant... Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you."
- [12] Every male must be circumcised at eight days old.
- [14] Any uncircumcised male will be cut off from his people—he has broken the covenant.
The Promise of Isaac
[16-22] God promises a son through Sarah:
- [16] "I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her."
- [17] Abraham fell face down and laughed, thinking, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?"
- [19] "Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac (laughter). I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant."
- [21] "But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year."
Key Takeaways
- God's Unfailing Promises: Even when Abraham and Sarah doubted due to old age, God confirmed the birth of Isaac.
- The Power of El Shaddai: God reveals Himself as the all-sufficient, powerful Creator who brings life out of barrenness.
- Covenant and Identity: God establishes circumcision as a sign of belonging and renames the couple.
- Faith over Human Effort: The promise is fulfilled by God's power, not human manoeuvring.