Genesis 17:24

24 Abraham was ninety and nine years old, when he circumcised the flesh of his foreskin.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Pirke Eliezer, c. 29.

Genesis 17:24 In-Context

22 And when he had left off speaking with him, God went up from Abraham.

23 And Abraham took Ismael his son, and all that were born in his house: and all whom he had bought, every male among the men of his house: and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin forthwith the very same day, as God had commanded him.

24 Abraham was ninety and nine years old, when he circumcised the flesh of his foreskin.

25 And Ismael his son was full thirteen years old at the time of his circumcision.

26 The selfsame day was Abraham circumcised and Ismael his son.