Key Verses: Genesis 17:1-2, 17:7-8, 17:10-11, 17:17, 17:19
When Abram is 99, the LORD appears, identifying Himself as El Shaddai (God Almighty), commanding him to walk before Him and be blameless. God will make His covenant between them, multiplying Abram exceedingly. Abram falls on his face. God declares he shall no longer be called Abram but Abraham (“father of a multitude”), for God makes him father of a multitude of nations. Kings shall come from him. God establishes an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his offspring-to be God to them. He’ll give them Canaan as an everlasting possession, and be their God. Abraham must keep the covenant: every male must be circumcised on the eighth day-the covenant sign in flesh. Any uncircumcised male breaks covenant and shall be cut off. God renames Sarai to Sarah, blessing her to give Abraham a son. Abraham laughs inwardly, questioning whether a 100-year-old man and 90-year-old woman can have a child. Abraham asks God to accept Ishmael. God insists Sarah will bear Isaac (“he laughs”)-with him God establishes His everlasting covenant, though He’ll bless Ishmael too. God sets the time: Sarah will bear Isaac next year at the appointed time. God departs. That very day Abraham circumcises himself (99), Ishmael (13), and all males in his household.
God’s self-revelation as El Shaddai (Almighty) emphasizes His power to fulfill impossible promises. The name change from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of multitudes”) affirms the promise. Sarah’s name change signifies her essential role. Circumcision as covenant sign in flesh is permanent, painful, and intimate-marking identity with God’s people. Romans 4:11 calls it a “seal of righteousness by faith.” It prefigures the circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:29) and baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). Abraham’s laughter mixes faith and incredulity-he obeys immediately while questioning. God’s specificity about Isaac (not Ishmael) shows His sovereign choice. The everlasting nature of the covenant points beyond temporal land to eternal inheritance in Christ.
Key Terms & Words:
- אֵל שַׁדַּי (El Shaddai) - Genesis 17:1 - “God Almighty”; emphasizes God’s power to fulfill impossible promises
- מוּל (mul) - Genesis 17:10-14 - “Circumcise”; sign of covenant, marking separation unto God
- בְּרִית עוֹלָם (berit olam) - Genesis 17:7 - “Everlasting covenant”; permanent, eternal covenant relationship
Cross-References:
- Romans 4:11-12 - Circumcision as seal of righteousness by faith
- Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ, spiritual circumcision through baptism
- Galatians 3:29 - If you are Christ’s, you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs of promise
- Acts 7:8 - God gave Abraham covenant of circumcision
- Romans 9:7-8 - Not all of Abraham are children, but children of promise are counted
Discussion Questions:
- What does God’s self-revelation as “El Shaddai” (God Almighty) communicate about His ability to fulfill promises that seem humanly impossible?
- How does circumcision as a covenant sign in the flesh prefigure the circumcision of the heart and baptism as New Testament signs of covenant?
- Why is God so specific that the covenant will be established with Isaac, not Ishmael, and what does this teach about God’s sovereign election?