Genesis 17

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:19

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17

7. The sign of circumcision ch. 17The Lord confirmed His covenant with Abram, 13 years after Ishmael’s birth, by reiterating the promises of descendants and land and by commanding Abram to circumcise all the males in his household. Circumcision thereby became the physical demonstration (sign) of the obedient faith of Abram and his descendants. There are three types of signs in the Old Testament. Some signs were proofs that convinced observers of something (e.g., the Egyptian plagues). Others... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:1-8

Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:16) God spoke to Abram again (the fifth revelation; Genesis 17:1). God called Himself by a new name: El Shaddai (the Almighty God). This was appropriate in view of the thing God proceeded to reveal to Abram that He would do. It would require supernatural power.The references to the "covenant" in this chapter have caused some confusion. The Abrahamic Covenant (ch. 15) is in view (Genesis 17:4; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17:11; Genesis 17:19;... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:9-14

God wanted Abraham to circumcise his male servants as well as his children. The reason was that the Abrahamic Covenant would affect all who had a relationship with Abraham. Consequently they needed to bear the sign of that covenant. The person who refused circumcision was "cut off" from his people (Genesis 17:14) because by refusing it he was repudiating God’s promises to Abraham."This expression undoubtedly involves a wordplay on cut. He that is not himself cut (i.e., circumcised) will be cut... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:15-21

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:22-27

The writer’s use of the phrase "the very same day" (Genesis 17:26) points to a momentous day, one of the most important days in human history (cf. Noah’s entry into the ark, Genesis 7:13; and the Exodus, Exodus 12:17; Exodus 12:41; Exodus 12:51).This fifth revelation from God advanced God’s promises in six particulars.1. Part of God’s blessing would depend on Abraham’s maintaining the covenant of circumcision, though the Abrahamic Covenant as a whole did not depend on this (Genesis 17:1-2).2.... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:1

XVII.CONFIRMATION OF THE COVENANT BY THE SACRAMENT OF CIRCUMCISION.(1) Abram was ninety years old and nine.—Thirteen years, therefore, had passed by since the birth of Ishmael, who doubtless during this time had grown very dear to the childless old man, as we gather from the wish expressed in Genesis 17:18.I am the Almighty God.—Heb., El shaddai. The word is Archaic, but there is no doubt that it means strong so as to overpower. Besides its use in Genesis we find it employed as the name of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:2

(2) I will make my covenant.—In Genesis 15:18 the Heb. word for “make” is cut, and refers to the severing of the victims; here it is “give,” “place,” and implies that it was an act of grace on God’s part (comp. Note on Genesis 9:9). Abram had now waited twenty-five years after leaving Ur-Chasdim, and fourteen or fifteen years since the ratification of the solemn covenant between him and Jehovah (Genesis 15:17); but the time had at length arrived for the fulfilment of the promise, and in token... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:4

(4) Of many nations.—This is a feeble rendering of a remarkable phrase. Literally the word signifies a confused noise like the din of a populous city. Abram is to be the father of a thronging crowd of nations. And so in Genesis 17:5. read more

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:19

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:1-8

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:9-14

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:15-21

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:22-27

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:1

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:2

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:4

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