Genesis 17 Inductive Bible Study: An Unlikely Man of Faith (VI)
Outline
XVII 1-8. The Nature of the Covenant – Everlasting Nationhood
XVII 9-14. The Sign of the Covenant – Male Circumcision
XVII 15-21. The Means of the Covenant – Supernatural Conception
XVII 22-27. The Response to the Covenant – Immediate Obedience
Textual Summary
Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael, God appeared to Abram again, confirmed His promises to the patriarch, and gave him the sign of the Covenant, which was male circumcision. Abraham obeyed God by promptly carrying out the command.
Interpretative Challenges
What’s so special about the name of God El Shaddai?
El Shaddai is translated in many English versions as God Almighty, or the Almighty God, in which El is the common Semitic word for God, and Shaddai is thought to highlight the power of God (which in the immediate context is to enable Sarah in her 90s to bear Abraham a son). According to the NIV Study Bible, Shaddai occurs 31 times in the book of Job and 17 times in the rest of the Bible.
The Faithlife Study Bible, however, arguing lexically, suggests that there is little evidence to justify the common translation of El Shaddai as God Almighty. The following passage is a direct quote from the study note of the Faithlife Study Bible:
Shaddai is similar to Hebrew term shad, meaning “breast” (Eze. 23:3; 21; 34; Song 4:5; 7:4), but “God of breast” is not a reasonable translation. The Akkadian words shadu (“mountain”) and shadda’u – along with the abundant testimony in the OT associating God with mountains (e.g., Sinai) – suggests that the word means “God of the mountain” or “God of the mountainous wilderness”.
It seems like the English Bible translators took a step to interpret Shaddai by comparing God’s power and strength to a mountain. Anyway, the phrase God Almighty has thus made its way into the vocabulary of both the sacred and the secular.
XVII 1-8. The Nature of the Covenant – Everlasting Nationhood
In Genesis 17:1-8, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, who is now ninety-nine years old. He introduces Himself as El Shaddai, a name underscoring His supreme power and might. God commands Abram to walk before Him and be blameless, setting the stage for a renewed and expanded promise.
God establishes an everlasting covenant with Abram, promising that he will be the father of a multitude of nations. Abram's name is changed to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude." This new identity reflects the magnitude of God’s promise. The covenant includes the gift of Canaan as an everlasting possession for Abraham's descendants.
This section emphasizes the nature of the covenant – everlasting nationhood. God's promise to Abraham is not only for his immediate descendants but for generations to come. This enduring nationhood is foundational to understanding the broader scope of God's plan for His people.
XVII 9-14. The Sign of the Covenant – Male Circumcision
In Genesis 17:9-14, God introduces the sign of the covenant – male circumcision. This physical act is to be performed on every male descendant of Abraham, marking them as participants in the covenant. Circumcision is to be carried out on the eighth day after birth, symbolizing a perpetual commitment to God’s promise.
This sign serves as a tangible reminder of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants. It is a visible and enduring mark of their unique relationship with God. The act of circumcision is not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of faith and obedience.
God’s command for circumcision also carries a deeper spiritual significance. It represents the cutting away of sin and the call to live a holy life, set apart for God. This practice, embedded in the identity of Abraham’s descendants, underscores their distinctiveness as God’s chosen people.
XVII 15-21. The Means of the Covenant – Supernatural Conception
In Genesis 17:15-21, God addresses Sarah’s role in the covenant. He changes her name from Sarai to Sarah, signifying that she will be a mother of nations and kings. This promise is astonishing given Sarah's advanced age and previous barrenness.
God declares that Sarah will bear a son, and Abraham is to name him Isaac. This supernatural conception is a testament to God’s power and faithfulness. Despite their old age, God’s promise will be fulfilled in a miraculous way, reaffirming His sovereignty over natural laws.
The birth of Isaac is the means through which the covenant will continue. God assures Abraham that His covenant will be established with Isaac and his descendants. This divine intervention highlights the miraculous nature of God’s promises and the lengths to which He will go to fulfill them.
The narrative also addresses Ishmael, Abraham’s son through Hagar. While Ishmael will be blessed and become a great nation, the covenant will be established through Isaac. This distinction emphasizes the specific and chosen line through which God’s promises will unfold.
XVII 22-27. The Response to the Covenant – Immediate Obedience
In Genesis 17:22-27, Abraham's response to God’s commands is immediate and unequivocal obedience. As soon as God finishes speaking, Abraham takes action. He circumcises himself, his son Ishmael, and every male in his household that very day.
This prompt obedience underscores Abraham's faith and commitment to God. Despite the physical pain and the potential resistance from his household, Abraham follows God’s instructions without delay. This act of faith solidifies his status as a man of unwavering trust in God’s promises.
Abraham's immediate compliance with the covenant’s requirements is a powerful testament to his role as a patriarch. His leadership and example set the standard for his descendants, demonstrating the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands.
Lessons and Reflections
Progressive Revelation of God’s Promises
Genesis 17 illustrates the progressive nature of God’s revelation to Abraham. Over the span of decades, God unfolds His promises in stages, each revelation building upon the previous one. This gradual disclosure allows for the deepening of Abraham’s faith and understanding.
The progressive revelation underscores the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing. Believers today can draw comfort from knowing that God’s plans are revealed progressively, according to His perfect wisdom and timing. Each step in our journey of faith is a part of God’s larger, unfolding plan.
Significance of Names and Identity
The changing of names in this chapter highlights the significance of identity in God’s plan. Abram becomes Abraham, and Sarai becomes Sarah, each name change reflecting a deeper purpose and promise. These new identities signify their roles in God’s covenant and the unfolding of His promises.
Names in the Bible often carry profound meanings, reflecting character, destiny, and divine purpose. The name changes in Genesis 17 invite believers to reflect on their own identities in Christ and the transformative power of God’s promises in their lives.
The Physical Sign of the Covenant
The institution of circumcision as the sign of the covenant emphasizes the importance of tangible expressions of faith. This physical act serves as a perpetual reminder of God’s promises and the unique relationship between God and His people.
While circumcision is specific to Abraham’s descendants, it points to a broader principle: the significance of outward signs of inward faith. Believers are called to live out their faith in visible and tangible ways, demonstrating their commitment to God’s covenant.
Supernatural Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The promise of Isaac’s birth to aged Abraham and Sarah underscores the supernatural nature of God’s fulfillment. God’s promises often transcend natural limitations and human expectations, highlighting His sovereignty and power.
This aspect of the narrative encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. God’s faithfulness is not limited by natural laws or human limitations.
Immediate Obedience to God’s Commands
Abraham’s immediate obedience to God’s command for circumcision exemplifies the importance of prompt and wholehearted compliance with God’s instructions. Delayed obedience can lead to missed opportunities and diminished blessings.
Believers are encouraged to follow Abraham’s example of immediate obedience, trusting that God’s commands are for their ultimate good. Faithful obedience is a key component of a vibrant and effective relationship with God.
Applying Genesis 17 Today
Genesis 17 offers timeless principles and lessons that are applicable to contemporary life. Here are some key takeaways:
Trusting in God’s Progressive Revelation
Believers are called to trust in God’s timing and the progressive nature of His revelation. Patience and faith are essential as God unfolds His plans step by step. Each phase of life is an opportunity to deepen faith and understanding.
Embracing Our Identity in Christ
The name changes in Genesis 17 highlight the significance of identity. Believers are encouraged to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that they are part of God’s covenant people. This identity carries both privilege and responsibility.
Living Outward Expressions of Faith
The institution of circumcision as a sign of the covenant emphasizes the importance of outward expressions of faith. Believers are called to live out their faith in tangible ways, demonstrating their commitment to God’s promises and commands
