Genesis 17:21-27

21 But I will make my promise to Isaac. Sarah will give birth to him at this time next year."

22 When God finished speaking with Abraham, he left him.

23 So Abraham took his son Ishmael, everyone born in his household, and everyone bought with money--every male in his household--and circumcised them that day, as God had told him.

24 Abraham was 99 years old when he was circumcised.

25 His son Ishmael was 13 years old when he was circumcised.

26 That same day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised.

27 All the men of his household, whether born in the household or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Genesis 17:21-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 17

This chapter treats of a covenant made with Abram, sometimes called the covenant of circumcision, the time when God appeared to him, and promised to make it, and did, Ge 17:1-3; the particulars of it, both with respect to himself, whose name was now changed, and to his posterity, Ge 17:4-8; the token of it, circumcision, the time of its performance, and the persons obliged to it, Ge 17:9-14; the change of Sarai's name, and a promise made that she should have a son, to the great surprise of Abraham, Ge 17:15-17; a prayer of his for Ishmael, and the answer to it, with a confirmation of Sarah's having a son, whose name should be called Isaac, and the establishment of the covenant with him, Ge 17:18-22; and the chapter is closed with an account of the circumcision of Abraham, and all his family of the male sort, agreeably to the command of God, Ge 17:23-27.