Introduction

Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran (Genesis 12:4). He was 86 years old when the son Ishmael was born of Hagar, the servant girl (Genesis 16:15-16). He had waited some 25 years for the fulfilment of God’s promise to give a son through Sarai. It had been some 13 years since his last recorded word from God.

God changes the name for Abram (vs 1-14)

God appears to Abram

This was likely another appearance of God in the person of Jesus, who took on a temporary human appearance before His incarnation on earth. God’s first words to Abram made an introduction and a declaration of His being. By this name El Shaddai (God Almighty), God revealed His Person and character to Abram. However, there is some debate as to what exactly the name El Shaddai means.

Abram was “blameless” but that is not the same as “sinless”. His relationship with God was right.

Abram renamed to Abraham

Abraham (Father of a multitude”) will be the father of a large multitude and will inherit the whole of the land of Canaan. From him will come many nations. Abraham will have many children to different women.

The sign of circumcision

The covenant will apply to only one of Abraham’s offspring. Every male was to be circumcised as part of this covenant. It had to be done on the eighth day. Those who did not practice were outside of the covenant. This cutting of the flesh was necessary. The sinful nature had to be cut out. See Deuteronomy 10:16.

The promise of a son to both Abraham and Sarah (vs 15-27)

Sarai changed to Sarah

Sarai is also renamed, and it is the son through her that will be blessed.

Abraham’s response

These are no question of doubts but rather questions of wonder. God sees the heart and does not rebuke Abraham

God names Isaac before he is born

Isaac (“laughter”) will be the recipient of the blessing not Ishmael or any other offspring. God will still bless Ishmael, but the covenant and promises are to belong to Isaac. The land belongs to Israel.

Abraham carries out circumcision

All the men that are in the house of Abraham are circumcised. We have a different relationship to sin. We have the Holy Spirit to put off the fleshy nature. It is still not perfect. Holiness teaching that you can live a sinless life is not true. It would be great if it was. See 1 John 1:8. We still mess up but the wrath of God has been taken care of. There is no licence to sin. It is destructive but it cannot separate you eternally.

Categories: Genesis

Tags: abraham, bible, faith, god, jesus