Today's passage: Genesis 17:1-27
Helpful thoughts:
- This chapter begins 13 years after the birth of Ishmael! However, God's promises were fulfilled right on time (Just not the way Abraham and Sarah would have envisioned it).
- God reiterated His covenant promise to Abraham on more than one occasion. But there were years between each instance. God knows we are but dust (Psalm 103:13-14).
- The name Abram means, “Exalted Father.” Abraham means, “Father of a multitude.”
- Sarai means, “My princess.” Sarah simply means, “Princess.” Her name change could have been a reminder of her royalty in the promise, “kings of peoples shall come from her.”
- Isaac means, “Laughter.” Abraham was amazed God would choose to bring about His promise in this way. Furthermore, Abraham already had a 13 year old son whom he loved. It likely broke his heart for a time to know that Ishmael was not the son of promise.
- Circumcision was implemented by God to serve as a sign of the covenant.
- When a Jewish man's seed passed by this sign, it was a reminder of whose people the children of Israel (the children of Abraham) were. They were God's chosen people.
Questions to consider:
- What did God call Abraham to do in verse 1? What is God Almighty worthy of from all His creation?
- What does God's ability to rename these people signify concerning His authority? Whose “princess” was Sarah?
- Did the sign of the Old Covenant (Circumcision) save a person? What does the Bible teach about circumcision of the heart?