As we concluded Chapter 16, Abram was 86 years old when his son, Ishmael was born.  Chapter 17 opens with the introduction of, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him…”  After thirteen years, God appears to Abram and reminds him of the covenant promise which will “greatly increase your numbers.”  Wonder why thirteen years?  God declares in the first verse, “I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless.”  In other words, take your hands off the reins, Abram, I’m in control!  (A lesson reminder for all of us.)

As I read verse 3, I gather that Abram was truly thankful to have a verbal word from the Lord because of his reaction, “Abram fell facedown”.  Abram is probably grateful to once again hear the audible voice of his Lord.

As in previous conversations, the Lord repeats, “You will be the father of many nations” and “I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you and kings will come from you.”  In the midst of all these assurances of numerous descendents, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham.  If you researched the meanings of these names, Abram means “exalted father” whereas Abraham denotes “father of many”.  The explanation given by the Lord for the name change is; “for I have made you a father of many nations.” 

So the Abrahamic Covenant includes:

1.      A promise of a multitude of descendents

2.    The possession of the land of Canaan

3.    An outward sign needed to be fulfilled by Abraham, his male descendents and those living within his household which would seal the covenant…the act of circumcision

What exactly is the significance of circumcision as it relates to a covenant promise?  Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant made by God with Abraham.  Abraham, his family and all who were living under his “tent” were required to undergo this procedure which would set them apart from other nations.  Scripture tells us that Abraham immediately took his son, Ishmael, and those male members of his household and each were circumcised in accordance to God’s instructions.  From that point on, each male baby was circumcised when he was eight days old.  If the procedure was not performed, the child was banned or ostracized from the community.

I’m sure we all know what circumcision entails.  I would include all the medical definitions, but those can be found easily online.  But to further our understanding of the physical significance of this sign, I’d like to point out that the medical community believes circumcision aids in the prevention of certain forms of cancer in men and their wives.  So circumcision is essential to the physical health of Abraham’s descendents and additionally, it is used as a spiritual lesson to set apart Abraham’s descendents in an act of faith and obedience.   

However, relating the meaning of circumcision to a spiritual application is the important “nugget” to be taken from this promise of God. We are to “cut away” all the sinful areas of our lives that would seek to destroy us physically and spiritually.  (The Believer’s Bible Commentary is careful to point out that today believers are not sealed with a physical mark, such as circumcision, but are marked with the Holy Spirit which is our “seal” given at the moment of our conversion.) 

How many times have we read in scripture “uncircumcised lips” “uncircumcised hearts” “uncircumcised in flesh” all relating to impure words, thoughts and actions done in the carnal body?  I read in Colossians 2:11 the “the circumcision of Christ” referring to His death on the cross.  Believers are sealed through their identification with Christ. Our physical circumcision is to put to death the fleshy nature setting us apart as God’s chosen children. 

As we continue on in this chapter we learn that Sarai’s name also changes to Sarah meaning “princess”.  Abraham is again promised an heir that would be born to him and his wife, Sarah.  Sarah at this time is 90 years old.  Imagine. 

Abraham again asks for a blessing for Ishmael and God replies that Ishmael 1) would be fruitful 2) would multiply and 3) would become a great nation.  Abraham’s promised heir is now mentioned by name in this chapter.  Isaac.  Through Isaac the covenant promise would be fulfilled.

Father, each time we study together and open the scriptures You teach us.  Help us to rid ourselves of any hindrances that would seek to enter our spiritual lives and destroy our testimony for You.  Circumcise our hearts, Lord, and draw us closer to our Heavenly Father.  Erase our uncircumcised lips, hearts and carnal bodies that we might be whiter than snow….and usable to bring others to Christ.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Next week, Chapter 18, Being Visited by Angels…Are We Alert?

Two main events occur in this chapter.  Abraham is visited by three strangers and they give him a word of prophecy.  Then as two of them journey towards Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham strikes a deal concerning the delay of destruction of that sinful area.

1.      Do you think Abraham knew the identity of the visiting strangers?  What leads you to your conclusion?

2.    Detail the prophetic words of the visitors.  When Sarah was caught in laughter, what was the question asked of her?

3.    What is said about Sodom and Gomorrah?

4.    Why does Abraham “go to the mat” for these towns?

5.    In verse 19, God pays a tribute to Abraham as an outstanding family man.  What are your thoughts about the comment?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                            

 
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As I read this chapter again last night before going to bed, the one word that kept coming to mind was sadness.  Sadness over sins we commit in lieu of waiting on God’s perfect plan for our lives and the results born from those sins. 

Remember that at the conclusion of Chapter 15 God confirmed His covenant with Abram and sealed it with passing between the pieces of sacrificial animals…God Himself had passed through the sacrificial pieces.  Never before had God moved in this way.  God then laid out the boundaries of the Promised Land that Abram’s descendents would inhabit.

Now, let’s review some of the conversations from Chapter 16.  Abram shares with Sarai the latest conversation with God as the waiting continues for the promised heir/seed.  After a while the human element begins to churn and the human decision to aid God’s timetable ensues with the word in verse 1….”but.”  And the tidal wave begins to roll.

“But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar…”  What was Sarai thinking, you might ask?  Well, it’s already been mentioned in the comments of our study partners that Sarai thought she would give God a push.  After all, a seed is a seed, right?  And we are talking about Abram’s seed.  So what if it was planted within a servant?  And here comes the next punch, “The Lord has kept me from having children.  Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.”  Wow, it’s almost like Sarai has decided that God isn’t going to keep His word through her, so here, take the nearest female and build “me” (Sarai) a family through her (the maidservant, Hagar).  Oh, Sarai, be careful what you wish for.

I’d like to make a note at this point.  Hagar was a servant evidently obtained while Abram and Sarai “went down to Egypt”…remember that fiasco when Abram tried to pass Sarai off as his sister?  Remember what happened to the King and others as a result?  During that passage of time is probably when Hagar came on board with the Abram/Sarai family.  Amazing, isn’t it?  Abram and Sarai are carrying a remnant of a place where things didn’t work out quite as planned and now the “remnant” is going to be used to push through the promise of God.

Now, back to the story.  After Sarai explains her thought processes to Abram, he agrees to go along with the plan.  Maybe he’s tired of Sarai mentioning every day where is the promised child?  I’m getting older every day, Abram!  Pretty soon I won’t be able to rock or raise our children, so let’s get the ball rolling!  Who knows?  But, Abram succumbs to Sarai’s request.  Hagar becomes pregnant with Abram’s child.

Surprisingly, the verse that follows has Hagar despising Sarai.  Maybe Hagar feels used?  Maybe a place in Abram’s tent hasn’t been fully given to her as an equal to Sarai although she is carrying the heir?  I can’t really answer that question.  But Sarai isn’t happy about Hagar’s attitude.  Sarai’s resulting action?  Go tell Abram Hagar isn’t being nice.  Abram’s answer?  Hagar is your problem, deal with her. 

Sarai, scripture unfolds, mistreats Hagar to the point that Hagar runs away.  Hagar’s had enough.  Pregnant and alone, she leaves the camp.  Do you see the consequences of a sinful nature and taking situations into our own hands?  How do two women cohabit in the same camp when one can have children and the other can’t?  Fast forward in scripture to sisters Rachel and Leah when one can bear children and the other is barren.  But we will address them later as we study through the Bible.

At this point in the chapter the “angel of the Lord” enters the picture.  Even when we run ahead of the Lord, He is ready to help these human, sinful decisions we make outside His perfect plan for our lives.  Hagar, on her way back to Egypt, is confronted by the angel and given direction.

NOTE:  *“The Angel of the Lord (Jehovah) is the Lord Jesus Christ in a preincarnate appearance.  A study of the passages in which He is mentioned makes it clear that He is God, and that He is the Second Person of the Trinity.  When He appeared to Hager she recognized that she was in the presence of God; she referred to Him as “the-God-Who-Sees” *Believer’s Bible Commentary, William MacDonald, page 270.

The angel asks the question, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”  Don’t you just love it? Our Lord knows our name, He knows where we are and He knows our intended destination!  But the beauty of it all?  He desires to hear it from us.  No truer words were ever spoken when Hagar admits, “I’m running away...”  How many times have we found ourselves disregarding what we should do and just head for the door?

But the running solution isn’t the way of the Cross, is it?  Hagar is told to return to Sarai.  Yep, the person who has mistreated and abused you, emotionally and verbally, is the direction in which you should go.  Not only go back there, but in verse 9 Hagar is instructed to “submit to” her mistress!  Now, my heart is crying out for this woman.  She is human (and all that entails), she’s pregnant, she basically feels forsaken and the instructions from our loving Lord are to return??  To submit and return to the source of the difficulty?  It’s a lot to process, isn’t it?

NOTE:  I am in no means an advocate of returning to a situation in which a woman finds herself in danger.  Verbal and emotional abuse is very serious and individuals are encountering this injustice every day.  However, God is instructing Hagar to return to the camp in order to work out this difficult situation with Sarai.  God further gives a promise to Hagar concerning her child, Ishmael.  God provided for Hagar and Ishmael even though Ishmael was not the promised heir through which the nation of Israel was born.

But the angel does give Hagar words of comfort.  After the directive to return to the camp of Abram and Sarai, the angel adds, “I will so increase your descendents that they will be too numerous to count.”  Sounds like part of the covenant promise made to Abram, doesn’t it?  But this child is a seed of Abram.  However, let’s continue reading the scripture. 

“You are now with child and you will have a son.  You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.   He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

Hagar follows the commands of the angel of the Lord; however, before leaving this place she names the well that is found there, Beer Lahai Roi, which literally means “well of the One who lives and sees me.”  And Hagar refers to the angel as “The God who sees me.”  Truly, Hagar knows she has seen and heard from the One, true God.

The encounter has been shared with Abram because when the child is born Abram names the boy, Ishmael.  Scripture notes at the end of chapter 16 that Abram is 86 years old when Ishmael is born.

NOTE:  Ishmael does become the head of a great nation, the Arab nation. 

Father, thank you for coming to us in the midst of our troubles.  When we feel the world has emotionally and verbally abused us and we are weary and tired of the struggle, help us to hear Your voice.  When the directive to “return and submit” is given, even though we might not understand the reasons, give us the courage to follow Your Will.  May our trials be used to demonstrate to others that God is greater than anything we face this side of heaven.  Glory to You, Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

For Next Week:  Chapter 17, The Covenant of Circumcision

1.      How old was Abram when God appeared and renewed the covenant promise?

2.     What is the significance of circumcision?

3.    Can you find the meanings of the names Abram and Sarai and then the meanings of the names Abraham and Sarah?  Significance?

4.    What happens to Ishmael in this chapter?

5.    The verse and name to be given to the heir of Abraham and Sarah?

 

 

 

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We left off with Abram not compromising with the king of Sodom after battling to regain “custody” of his nephew, Lot.  Chapter 15 begins with the Lord coming to Abram in a vision.  Jan and Cindy asked that when God speaks in dreams, visions and/or through an audible voice that we might want to discuss it more in depth.  There isn’t a lot of background written about the fact that God spoke to Abram at this point.  As I mentioned previously, once the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost, we read less about these personal encounters with God.  Don’t mistake what I am saying, please.  God still speaks today, but He speaks through the Holy Spirit which is given freely to each believer.  It is interesting that written in scripture when God speaks, it says, “the word of the Lord came to him…

The words spoken to Abram probably reconfirm Abram’s action with the king of Sodom.  Abram might have feared retaliation, but God assures Abram of His protection.  But in verse 2, Abram returns to the fact that the initial promise of an heir, made approximately ten years prior, has not occurred.  As was the practice for childless couples, if they did not have an heir of their own blood, the law permitted them to take a servant of their household as their heir, hence, the mention of Eliezer of Damacus.

God reminds Abram that the promised heir would come from his own body.  I enjoy reading in verse 5, “He took him outside and said, …”  Wow, God has this personal encounter with Abram to show him the stars He, God, created in order to demonstrate a visual lesson! And then the lesson….can you count all the stars you see?  Well, that’s how many descendents you will be given!  Last description of the numerous descendents was dealing with the dust of the earth.  Can dust or stars be counted??  Commentaries mention that the reference to stars depicts Abram’s natural posterity, those individuals who are Jews by birth.  The stars reference Abram’s spiritual seed, those who are justified by faith in Jesus. 

A question was asked last week as to why Abram is having such a hard time believing the promise/covenant made by God concerning a seed coming from his own body.  Let’s explore three reasons that might be in Abram’s mind.  1) Abram’s age; 2) Sarai’s age and 3) it’s been ten years since the initial covenant promise of an heir.

In verse 8, Abram again asks for a sign that this promise will transpire.  Although I want to shout out to Abram, “this is God standing before you, Abram…God can do anything!  He just showed you all the stars in the sky…personally…and you are still asking for more signs??”  But God answers Abram by asking for animals to be used in an animal sacrifice. 

When Abram falls asleep, God once again comes to him in a dream and bestows prophecy concerning Abram’s descendents.  The foretelling of the Jews in Egypt for 430 years, the slavery they will encounter, the punishment of their captors and their exodus with wealth is communicated.  Afterwards, the covenant promise is “sealed” with a symbolic animal sacrifice.  I would like to share the explanation given in my commentary, the Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald, page 53:

“According to the ancient Eastern manner of making a covenant, both the contracting parties passed through the divided pieces of the slain animals, thus symbolically attesting that they pledged their very lives to the fulfillment of the engagement they made.  Now in Genesis 15, God alone, whose presence was symbolized by the smoking furnace and lamp of fire, passed through the midst of the pieces of the slain animals, while Abram was simply a spectator of this wonderful exhibition of God’s free grace.”

Another explanation of the sacrifice:  the pieces used for the sacrifice represent the nation of Israel; the vultures are the Gentile nations; the land not their own is Egypt; they would be delivered from bondage and return to Canaan in the fourth generation; the smoking oven and burning torch is the suffering of Israel as a nation.

Interestingly, the commentary also notes that verses 18-21 have not come to pass. The prophecy given will be fulfilled when Christ returns.  However, the boundaries of the Promised Land are described for the first time. 

Abram has been provided a lot of information during this encounter with God.  Could he possibly understand the full impact of God’s covenant promise?  Dust of the earth, stars in the sky, grains of sand by the shore are descriptions given as they relate to the numerous descendents Abram will be granted.  But as we continue with Chapter 16 we will soon learn of Abram’s continuing attempts to help God fulfill this covenant promise of an heir.

Father, thank you for the lessons learned in Chapter 15 of Genesis.  Thank you for the example of Abram.  In spite of his human frailties, Father, Abram was used of God.  May we be astute to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance which will equip us with faith to strengthen our resolve; faith to aid us with patience concerning on Your timing and faith that fills us with hope.  Fill us with peace, fill us with patience, fill us with an unswerving faith to do what You have deemed is best.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For next week:  Read Chapter 16 of Genesis.  Questions to consider during your study time:

1.      Abram is now 85 years old.  We have just read in Chapter 15 a beautiful depiction of an animal sacrifice in which God Himself passed through the midst of the pieces of slain animals as a visual exhibition of God’s grace to Abram and the covenant promise made to him.  What happened?

2.    It’s never good when we take matters into our own hands.  We’re way too human.  Let’s explore some of the fallouts of this human plan.

a.     Why did Hagar begin despising Sarai as written in verse 4?

b.    Why is Sarai blaming Abram in verse 5?

c.    Why did Abram simply turn Hager over to Sarai in verse 6?

3.     The name of the child born to Abram and Hagar?

4.    The child’s destiny as told by the “angel of the Lord”

 

 
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In response to the questions posted last week; let’s take a look at the comments made regarding Chapter 14 and I will address the questions as I explain the content.

The beginnings of this chapter can be difficult to understand, but here’s what I have read and have summarized.  There are kings that have been conquered by a king in Persia, Chedorlaomer.  He actually is the King of Elam.  After thirteen years, these five captive kings revolted.  Chedorlaomer rallied for support and succeeded in bringing three kings from Babylon to aid him in battle.  This battle took place in the Valley of Siddim and among the spoils taken was Abram’s nephew, Lot.  The battle between the kings is significant because from this story three important lessons are gleaned.  Those lessons are highlighted within this text.

Let’s stop for a moment and review.  Last we read about Lot he was headed for the Jordan Valley close to, but not in Sodom.  In verse 12 of this chapter it reads, “They took Lot, Abram’s nephew who was living IN Sodom, and everything he owned.”  What?  After all the lessons and talks that have transpired between Abram and his nephew, Lot is now IN Sodom? I’m immediately reminded of the frog in the pot of hot water.  A frog can be in a pot of water and if it heats gradually the frog doesn’t realize he’s in danger until he’s dead.  Gradual desensitivity to sin is most dangerous.  I’m reminded of language in films today.  Remember when Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind said one swear word at the end of the movie and sent ripples of shock throughout the cinemas?  In today’s society there are so many swear words and vulgar language I shudder to think how desensitized we have become.  Lesson taught; de-sensitivity to sin is very dangerous!

Lot was the example of an individual who has become desensitized to the sin that surrounded him.  Maybe he began dating a girl from Sodom or hung out with guys from Sodom at the bowling alley….who knows how it happened, but it did.  Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Lot is now taken captive.  Fortunately, someone escaped and ran to Abram with the news.  Can you imagine someone knocking on your door and telling you the story of how your son or nephew has been kidnapped? 

Abram doesn’t hesitate.  He employs his 318 trained men in his household to go with him and by the sword, Abram and company bring Lot and all he owned back to Hebron.  According to verse 16, Abram was successful in his goal and on the return trip the King of Sodom came out to meet him.  I guess every successful man is approached by those who want to be your friend and in your good graces, right?  Lesson taught; when a victory is won against sin, Satan will strike on the heels of that victory!

Sodom is full of sin and idol worship.  So we can assume that includes their king.  As soon as this wicked king came out to meet with Abram, Melchizedek, king of Salem appears. 

(Who is Melchizedek?) 

After reading in my commentary about Melchizedek, here’s my conclusions.  When sin comes out to meet us head on, our Lord God goes before us to strengthen us and protect us.  Melchizedek means king of righteousness and Salem means peace.  Neat, huh?  Melchizedek is a symbol for Christ, our Great High Priest.  In Hebrews 7, we find, “This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High.  He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.  First, his name means “king of righteousness” then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”  Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning or days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.”

The part of the above scripture which speaks about “without a mother or father” is in connection with the Lord’s priesthood.  Because priests inherited their positions and served in that capacity for a limited time, the priesthood of Melchizedek was unique since it wasn’t passed on from his parents and it had no beginning or an end.  Simply stated, Melchizedek was the Lord. 

In verses 18-20, Melchizedek came to Abram to bless him and bring nourishment in the form of bread and wine.  Amazing, isn’t it?  Lesson taught; when confronted by evil the Lord steps in to strengthen and encourage his chosen ones.  After receiving the blessing and food, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything.  Another neat lesson…when we suddenly find ourselves with bounty, give the Lord a tenth!

The King of Sodom now presents a plan to Abram.  He wants the people Abram has taken in the rescue of Lot and he defers the “stuff” to Abram.  But Abram refuses to make a deal with evil.  After receiving a visit from the Lord to serve as a reminder to stay on the right track, Abram follows after His Lord. 

Father, please keep us from making bad decisions and surrounding ourselves with bad influences.  Remind us daily of how our lives can easily become enslaved to sin and desensitized to the things of Christ.  May we be faithful followers, alert and always listening to hear your voice.  Keep our homes and hearts far from the places of evil intentions that seek to ruin our testimony.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  As you read Chapter 15, please take note of the following questions as you study:

1.      The covenant with Abram is again mentioned.  What comparison to the numerous descendents does God make this time?

2.    Abram is having a problem believing the covenant promise.  Why is this promise so hard for Abram to believe?

3.    What significance is the animal sacrifice to the promise made by God to Abram?

4.    A prediction is made concerning Abram’s descendents.  What is being prophesized in this chapter?

Father, thank you for the opportunity of once again learning more about scripture as we study in depth the life of Abram.  May we continually realize our sinful nature and your bgracious mercy as you continue to wash us white as snow.

NOTE:  My sweet husband has decided that we need a Sounding Board Teaching Ministries' retreat.  Let me know what you think! 

 
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