GENESIS CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OVERVIEW
Overall what is happening in this chapter is that the covenant between God and Abram renewed. In the process, Abram’s name is changed and circumcision becomes a part of the agreement.
Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 17
God renews the covenant with Abram: changes his name, and institutes circumcision: he promises Sarah a son within the year: Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.
Matthew Henry (1714) – Genesis 17
This chapter contains articles of agreement covenanted and concluded upon between the great Jehovah, the Father of mercies, on the one part, and pious Abram, the father of the faithful, on the other part. Abram is therefore called “the friend of God,” not only because he was the man of his counsel, but because he was the man of his covenant; both these secrets were with him. Mention was made of this covenant (see Genesis 15:18), but here it is particularly drawn up, and put into the form of a covenant, that Abram might have strong consolation. Here are:
I. The circumstances of the making of this covenant, the time and manner (Genesis 17:1), and the posture Abram was in (Genesis 17:3).
II. The covenant itself. In the general scope of it (Genesis 17:1). And, afterwards, in the particular instances.
1. That he should be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4, Genesis 17:6), and, in token of this, his name was changed (Genesis 17:5).
2. That God would be a God to him and his seed, and would give them the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:7-8). And the seal of this part of the covenant was circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14).
3. That he should have a son by Sarai, and, in token thereof, her name was changed (Genesis 17:15-16). This promise Abram received (Genesis 17:17). And his request for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18) was answered, abundantly to his satisfaction (Genesis 17:19-22).
III. The circumcision of Abram and his family, according to God's appointment (Genesis 17:23, etc.).
Thomas Constable (2012) – Genesis 17
The Lord confirmed His covenant with Abram, 13 years after Ishmael's birth, by reiterating the promises of descendants and land and by commanding Abram to circumcise all the males in his household. Circumcision thereby became the physical demonstration (sign) of the obedient faith of Abram and his descendants. There are three types of signs in the Old Testament. Some signs were proofs that convinced observers of something (e.g., the Egyptian plagues). Others were certain acts that resembled an announced situation (e.g., acted prophecies). Still others were reminders of something (e.g., the rainbow, circumcision). God further encouraged the patriarch's faith by changing Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah. This was an added confirmation that God would indeed give them innumerable seed as He had promised.
"This chapter is a watershed in the Abraham story. The promises to him have been unfolded bit by bit, gradually building up and becoming more detailed and precise, until here they are repeated and filled out in a glorious crescendo in a long and elaborate divine speech. From this point in Genesis, divine speeches become rarer and little new content is added to the promises, but the fulfillment of these promises becomes more visible." [Note: Wenham, Genesis 16-50, p. 16.]
Abram undoubtedly assumed that Ishmael would be the promised heir until God told him that Sarai would bear his heir herself (Genesis 17:16). That revelation is the most important feature of this chapter. God gave the name changes and circumcision to confirm the covenant promise of an heir and to strengthen Abram's faith.
KEY VERSE
Genesis 17:10 "This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised.”
KEY EVENT
With the covenant came the outward sign of circumcision.
KEY THOUGHT
The covenant was to be an everlasting covenant to Abraham and to his decedents throughout all generations.
KEY CROSS-REFERENCE
Romans 2:28-29 “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.”
KEY QUOTE
Though circumcision was painful:
- though to grown men it was shameful
- though while they were sore and unfit for action
- though Abraham was ninety-nine years old
- though Abraham had been justified long ago
yet God’s command was sufficient to answer these and a thousand such objections: what God requires – we must do.
