Understanding God’s covenant and His plans for Abraham’s descendants.
Genesis 17 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)
1: When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, “I am Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
2: And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3: And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4: “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.”
5: Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6: And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7: And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8: And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
9: And God said unto Abraham, “Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.”
10: This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
11: And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
12: And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
13: He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14: And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
15: And God said unto Abraham, “As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.”
16: And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
17: Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?”
18: And Abraham said unto God, “O that Ishmael might live before thee!”
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 everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”
20: And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21: But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
22: And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
“As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” – Genesis 17:4
Table of Contents
Introduction God’s Covenant and Name Change The Covenant of Circumcision Promise of Isaac and God’s Faithfulness Trusting God’s Promises 5-Minute PrayerIntroduction
Through this covenant, God promises that Abraham will be the father of countless descendants and that kings and nations will come from his lineage. Even though Abraham and Sarah are advanced in age, God’s word emphasizes that nothing is impossible with Him. Their future son, Isaac, becomes the tangible fulfillment of God’s promise and a demonstration of His faithfulness.
Read also: Lessons on prayer, intercession, and trusting God’s justice.
Genesis 17 teaches us about God’s covenant love, the importance of obedience, and His power to bring life and blessing where circumstances seem impossible. It reminds us that God’s promises are sure, even when human understanding falls short.
As we begin today’s devotional, may we embrace God’s covenant promises, trust His power over impossibilities, and walk in obedience to His calling on our lives.
God’s Covenant and Name Change (Genesis 17:1-6)
God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, signifying the covenant and the promise of becoming the father of many nations.
Reflection: How can you trust God’s promises in your life, even when they seem impossible?
The Covenant of Circumcision (Genesis 17:7-14)
God instructs Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of His covenant, symbolizing commitment and obedience.
Read also: God’s judgment, mercy, and the consequences of sin.
Teaching Point: Obedience to God is a demonstration of faith and alignment with His promises.
Promise of Isaac and God’s Faithfulness (Genesis 17:15-21)
God promises a son through Sarah, Isaac, despite their old age, showing that God’s plans are not hindered by human limitations.
Encouragement: Trust God’s timing and faithfulness; He fulfills His promises regardless of circumstances.
Trusting God’s Promises
Abraham’s response teaches us to rely on God’s promises and remain faithful, even when they seem delayed.
Read also : Trusting God’s protection in difficult and unexpected situations
Reflection: How can you cultivate trust in God’s promises in your own life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to Abraham and Your covenant promises. Help us to trust Your plan and obey Your instructions faithfully.
Lord, teach us to rely on Your timing and trust that nothing is impossible with You. Strengthen our faith to follow You wholeheartedly and honor Your covenant in our lives.
Father, may we experience Your blessings as we walk in obedience, and may Your promises bring hope and courage in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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