19, 20. The blessings of the covenant are reserved for Isaac, but common blessings were abundantly promised to Ishmael; and though the visible Church did not descend from his family, yet personally he might, and it is to be hoped did, enjoy its benefits. read more
Abraham’s laugh (Genesis 17:17) may have expressed his incredulity, but it could have been a joyful response to God’s promise. [Note: See Raymond L. Cox, "What Made Abraham Laugh?" Eternity (November 1975), pp. 19-20.] Sarah’s laugh (Genesis 18:15) seems to have arisen from a spirit of unbelief. God did not criticize Abraham for laughing, but He did Sarah when she laughed. read more
The Covenant of CircumcisionThis chapter is from the Priestly document, of which it shows marked characteristics: see preface to Genesis 15.1. Ninety years old and nine] Ishmael was now thirteen years old, and Abraham probably expected no other heir. But his faith was to be put to a further test. The Almighty God] Heb. el Shaddai: the name of power shows the ability to perform what was promised. Walk before me, and be thou perfeet] i.e. always conscious of My presence, and living a pious,... read more
(19) Indeed.—In the Hebrew this word comes first, and is intended to remove all doubt or desire for any other turn of affairs. It should be rendered, “And God said, For a certainty Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son.”Thou shalt call his name Isaac.—That is, he laughs. The name was to be a perpetual memorial that Isaac’s birth was naturally such an impossibility as to excite ridicule. read more
God the Giver Genesis 17:8 'I will give.' That is the text. It is found in Genesis, and therefore in the right place; it is heard in the Apocalypse, and therefore the great Amen cannot be far off. Let us see how the river runs, and walk by it, as it were, hand in hand with God. I. The Lord had to incarnate Himself in little phrases and small toy meanings in order to get at man's imagination, so He says in Genesis XVII, 8, 'I will give unto thee... land'. Do not put a full-stop after 'land'.... read more
THE COVENANT SEALEDGenesis 17:1-27ACCORDING to the dates here given fourteen years had passed since Abram had received any intimation of God’s will regarding him. Since the covenant had been made some twenty years before, no direct communication had been received; and no message of any kind since Ishmael’s birth. It need not, therefore, surprise us that we are often allowed to remain for years in a state of suspense, uncertain about the future, feeling that we need more light and yet unable to... read more
CHAPTER 17 The Fifth Communication and the Covenant Repeated 1. The communication and Abram worships (Genesis 17:1-3 ) 2. The enlarged promise (Genesis 17:4-8 ) 3. The covenant sign (Genesis 17:9-14 ) 4. Sarah’s seed promised (Genesis 17:15-16 ) 5. The laughter of Abraham (Genesis 17:17 ) 6. Abraham’s plea for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18-22 ) 7. Abraham’s obedience (Genesis 17:23-27 ) The promises which the Lord now gives to Abram are most complete. His name is changed; he is now to... read more
17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an {g} everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.(g) The everlasting covenant is made with the children of the Spirit. A temporary promise is made with the children of the flesh, as was promised to Ishmael. read more
THE COVENANT AND ITS SIGN - CIRCUMCISION Another thirteen years passes before the Lord's appearing to Abram now at the age of 99 years. In Chapter 15:1 He had told Abram, "I am your shield, your exceeding great reward." Now He tells him, "I am Almighty God" (v.1). He does not emphasize the fact of His faithful protecting care for Abram, as He did before, but the fact of His own great power. Based on this, He tells Abram to walk before Him and be blameless. Also, because He knew that Abram's... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:21-22
Genesis 17:21-22. My covenant will I establish, &c.— This is an abundant proof, that the covenant which God entered into with Abraham, was of a spiritual as well as a temporal nature, by being thus limited to his descendants by Isaac only; whom he condescends to promise him at a short and fixed period approaching, this set time in the next year. Michaelis has it, "my spiritual covenant with Christ." After this information, the Lord left off talking with him, and went up from Abraham, most... read more