God required Abram and his household to get circumcised, a sign of the covenant God made with Abram that he would multiply his descendants to be numerous stars in the heavens and the dust of the ground. Even though Abram was imputed righteousness, he would have been barred from the Kingdom of Heaven had he not obeyed God. God's plan for all humanity was to be obedient to God, live righteous and justly, and God would provide all things in the Garden of Eden. Since many fall short in sin, God always works with His people to stay on course and bless them. This can be applied today in all our lives and make a decision. Choose whom you will serve.
This chapter not only demonstrates the divine promise of God but also introduces the rite of circumcision as a symbol of faith and obedience.
God appeared to Abram, emphasizing His role as El Shaddai, often translated as "God Almighty." This divine encounter marks the renewal of God's covenant with Abram and introduces a significant change: God promises to make him the father of many nations.
God continues the covenant initiated in Genesis 12 when He called Abram to leave his homeland and follow Him. In Genesis 15, God reaffirmed His covenant and promised Abram numerous descendants. However, by Genesis 17, Abram is still childless, and his wife Sarai is barren. In this impossibility, God reveals His plan to bless Abram and all the nations through him.
Abram's name is now changed to Abraham, and Sarai to Sarah. God changes their names to reflect their new roles and identities within the covenant. Abram, meaning "exalted father," becomes Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude." Sarai, meaning "my princess," becomes Sarah, meaning "princess" in a broader sense. These name changes symbolize their transformation from a childless couple to the parents of nations, as promised by God.
In Genesis 17:9-14, God institutes circumcision as the physical sign of the covenant between Himself and Abraham's descendants. Circumcision is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the male foreskin. God commands that every male in Abraham's household, including slaves, be circumcised. Circumcision practice was not unique to the Israelites but existed in various cultures before this covenant.
Circumcision is a physical mark distinguishing Abraham's descendants as part of the covenant. It also represents a spiritual sign of purification and consecration. A spiritual circumcising of one's heart signifies a commitment to God and obedience to His commandments.
This chapter outlines:
God's Faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Abraham and Sarah, though advanced in age and unable to have children, became the parents of nations through God's intervention.
Obedience and Covenant by circumcision as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands within the covenant relationship. It symbolizes the commitment to live by God's will. Today, baptism by water in faith serves the exact obedience and covenant with Christ.
Identity and Purpose, by the name changes of Abraham and Sarah, emphasize the transformative power of God's promises. Their identities and roles are redefined within the context of their divine purpose.
Inclusivity in God's Kingdom was demonstrated by God's command to circumcise all males in Abraham's household, including slaves; it was not limited by one's social status or ethnicity but is extended to all who follow Him.
Thus, this chapter reaffirms God's faithfulness and His covenant with Abraham. God promises to make Abraham the father of nations, introduces the rite of circumcision, and changes the names of Abraham and Sarah to reflect their new identities. Faith, obedience, identity, and inclusivity remind us of His righteousness and blessings on all nations who follow Him.
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