17:1 The Lord told Abram, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me.” He has the same message for us today. We are to obey the Lord in every respect because he is God—that is reason enough. If you don’t think the benefits of obedience are worth it, consider who God is—the only one with the power and ability to meet your every need.
17:2-8 Why did God repeat his covenant to Abram? Twice before, he had mentioned this agreement (Genesis 12 and 15). Here, however, God was bringing it into focus and preparing to carry it out. He revealed to Abram several specific parts of his covenant: (1) God would give Abram many descendants; (2) many nations would descend from him; (3) God would maintain his covenant with Abram’s descendants; (4) God would give Abram’s descendants the land of Canaan.
17:5 In the Bible, people’s names were very important—a name described a person’s character or experience. Therefore, shortly before the promised son was conceived, God changed Abram’s name (which meant “exalted father”) to Abraham (which meant “father of many”). From this point on, the Bible calls him Abraham.
17:5-14 God was making a covenant, or contract, between himself and Abraham. The terms were simple: Abraham would obey God and circumcise all the males in his household; God’s part was to give Abraham heirs, property, power, and wealth. Most contracts are even trades: We give something and, in turn, receive something of equal value. But when we become part of God’s covenant family, the blessings we receive far outweigh what we must give up.
17:9, 10 Why did God require circumcision? (1) As a sign of obedience to him in all matters. (2) As a sign of belonging to his covenant people. Once circumcised, the man would be identified as one of God’s chosen people (eventually the Jews) forever. (3) As a symbol of “cutting off” the old life of sin, purifying one’s heart, and dedicating oneself to God. (4) Possibly as a health measure.
Circumcision more than any other practice separated God’s people from their pagan neighbors. In Abraham’s day, this was essential to develop the pure worship of the one true God.
17:17-27 How could Abraham doubt God? It seemed incredible that he and Sarah in their advanced years could have a child. Abraham, the man God considered righteous because of his faith, had trouble believing God’s promise to him. Despite his doubts, however, Abraham followed God’s commands (17:22-27). Even people of great faith may have doubts. When God seems to want the impossible and you begin to doubt his leading, be like Abraham. Focus on God’s commitment to fulfill his promises to you, and then continue to obey.
17:20 God did not forget Ishmael. Although he was not to be Abraham’s heir, he would also be the father of a great nation. Regardless of your circumstances, God has not forgotten you. Obey him and trust in his plan.