Genesis 17:1-6

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty. Obey me and do what is right.

2 I will make an agreement between us, and I will make you the ancestor of many people."

3 Then Abram bowed facedown on the ground. God said to him,

4 "I am making my agreement with you: I will make you the father of many nations.

5 I am changing your name from Abramn to Abrahamnbecause I am making you a father of many nations.

6 I will give you many descendants. New nations will be born from you, and kings will come from you.

Genesis 17:1-6 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.