Genesis 17

(Genesis 17:1-27): The last recorded appearance of the LORD with Abram was in passing through the divided animals in Genesis 15; Abram was between 75 and 86. Abram was 86 when Ishmael was born (Gen 16:16). The LORD conversed with Hagar when she was pregnant and fleeing from Sarai in the desert. Now it is 13 years later and the LORD appears to Abram who is 99 years old (Gen 17:1). Appearances of the LORD are years apart which explains the recurring language about Abram’s descendants.

This appearance is special because Yahweh reveals Himself to Abram as I am Almighty God. This is the first occurrence of El Shaddai, God Almighty, the Fulfiller of promises, and commands Abram to walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly (Gen 17:1-2).  

What was Abram’s response? It wasn’t “I'd heard this before since I was 75 years old,” but Abram fell on his face (Gen 17:3). Abram was primed and ready and in the right posture to hear from God – and God talked with him. Both Abram and Sarai received a new name that day, Abraham, a father of many nations (Gen 17:4) and kings (Gen 17:6), and Sarah, a mother of nations and kings (Gen 17:16).

Circumcision was to be a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen 17:11). No nation on earth during this time observed circumcision for any reason, religious, health, or otherwise. Abraham and his descendants were to accept God’s covenant through circumcision; it was for a sign. Every biological or procreative function would serve as a reminder to the male from henceforth that this circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. 

Like a scar that keeps the memory of it fresh, the scarring of circumcision would remind them of the covenant. The warning was clear and straightforward that any born or brought into the house of Abraham must receive the sign or that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant (Gen 17:14), starting with Abraham and Ishmael (Gen 17:11; Gen 17:23, 26-27). Blessing always follows obedience.

Abraham finally gets a curveball; Sarah will give you a son (Gen 17:16). She is 89 (cf. Gen 17:17, 24, Abraham was thinking nine months ahead in his heart in Gen 17:17)! El Shaddai, the One who spoke the world into existence, never rebuked Abraham for falling on his face and laughing at this startling revelation! Abraham pleads the case for Ishmael who was 13 years old (God had other plans for Ishmael, Gen 17:20). 

But God said, No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him (Gen 17:19). The time is finally revealed 24 years later after leaving Haran – at this set time next year (Gen 17:21). Abraham’s promise of an heir becomes a reality 25 years later. Faith always adjusts to God’s timetable.

Father, Abraham never saw the fulfillment of the land promise in his day or saw his descendants as a galaxy of stars; the phrase after you is a reminder of this fact (Gen 17:7-10, five times). But his confidence remained strong in You. He was a faithful sojourner and a pilgrim in a strange land until his death.

LORD, I don't possess the patience of Abraham and often get antsy in the backstretch, wondering if I will ever see the home stretch. Like Abraham and Sarah, my biological clock is ticking, too! My natural feelings or impulses feed off the circumstances. May I deny the fleshly hunger by Your strength. Teach me to be still so that I may know that You are El Shaddai.

Thank you for reminding me that You are God Almighty, the Maker, and Keeper of promises, the Creator of heaven and earth. Regrettably, I get so horizontally oriented and forget to look up at the stars to remind me of the wonder of the power and majesty of Your Word. You have never failed to honor a single promise. Nothing is impossible with You. By Your Word, the world was established. You have stretched the heavens beyond human comprehension. Through Your sheer absolute power, You transform that which is impossible to man into a reality.

Nothing is too hard for You, O Yahweh! The stars filled the darkness of space with Your Word. They declare Your magnificent handiwork! You spoke the Word and turned back the clock of time for an elderly woman and blessed her with descendants as numerous as the stars! This also is a testament to Your power and radiant glory. You need only to speak the Word to me and something unimaginably wonderful will come forth from my life for Your glory; speak then to me, O, Father. Glorify Yourself in me through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit living within me. Give the Word. Your will be done in Your time. May I sojourn faithfully until then, in Your will. <><