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?
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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