Genesis 17:24

24 So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,

Genesis 17:24 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 17:24

And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine
See ( Genesis 17:1 ) . This circumstance of his age is observed the more to commend his faith and obedience, that though he was an old man, he did not consider his age, or make that an objection; that he was unable to bear the pain, or it would be shameful for a man of his years to be uncovered before his servants:

when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin;
who circumcised him is not said, very probably Eliezer his head servant: the Jews, who affect to know everything, say ^F21, that he sent for Shem, the son of Noah, who circumcised him and his son Ishmael; but it is most likely that Ishmael was circumcised by Abraham himself, as seems from ( Genesis 17:23 ) ; and Abraham might circumcise himself, as Ben Melech thinks.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F21 Pirke Eliezer, c. 29.

Genesis 17:24 In-Context

22 When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.

23 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him.

24 So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,

25 and his son Ishmael was thirteen;

26 Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised on the same day.