Genesis 17

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:17-21

‘Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to him who is a hundred years old, and shall Sarah who is ninety years old produce a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you”.’ The writer makes clear that Abraham’s faith falters. He is clearly possessed with a mixture of emotions. At the words he expressly renews his attitude of obedient submission, he ‘falls on his face’ (compare Genesis 17:3). But he laughs. The... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:22

‘And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.’ The order in the second phrase suggests that the first phrase means it was God Who left off talking with Abraham. The covenant was complete. Its various ramifications had been explained. Now the theophany ceases. “God went up ---”. Compare 35:13; Judges 13:20. This indicates the end of a theophany. God departs, but not to another place. He leaves this world for His own abode, away from this world. His activity in this world is... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:23

‘And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his wealth, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on the selfsame day as God had said to him.’ Abraham obeyed immediately. No doubt he gathered the men together and explained the wonderful theophany he had experienced and described the terms of the covenant, and then the ceremony would take place as a dedication to the God of the covenant. But... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:24-27

‘And Abraham was ninety nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, and Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised and Ishmael his son, and all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with wealth from the stranger, were circumcised with him.’ Ishmael is mentioned separately as one named in the covenant. His age shows that he is at the beginning of manhood... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17

Genesis 17. The Covenant of Circumcision.— From P, as is shown by its characteristic phraseology and style, and its interest in the origin of religious institutions. It also uses the name Elohim throughout (apart from 1), but has none of E’ s characteristics. The use of Yahweh in I must be due to the redactor or a scribe, since it is carefully and deliberately avoided by P till the revelation of Himself as Yahweh by Elohim in Exodus 6. This narrative marks a new stage in God’ s... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

Genesis 12:1 to Genesis 25:18 . The Story of Abraham.— In this section the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Gunkel has given strong reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources, one connecting Abraham with Hebron, the other with Beersheba and the Negeb. The former associates Abraham with Lot. (For details, see ICC.) On the interpretation to be placed on the figures of Abraham and the patriarchs, see the Introduction. The interest, which has hitherto been diffused... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17

GENESIS CHAPTER 17 God renews his covenant with Abram, Genesis 17:1-4. His name in token thereof changed, Genesis 17:5. Kings shall be born of him, Genesis 17:6. The covenant established with his seed, Genesis 17:7. The promise of Canaan to him and his seed repeated, Genesis 17:8. Circumcision instituted, Genesis 17:9-10. The part to be circumcised, Genesis 17:11. The time and persons, Genesis 17:12-13. The punishment on neglecters of it, Genesis 17:14. Sarai's named changed, Genesis 17:15. A... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:1

I am the Almighty God, who can do all that I have promised, or shall promise to time, and whatsoever pleaseth me; and therefore do thou firmly believe all my words. Walk before me as becomes one in the presence of thy Lord, and Judge, and Rewarder, being careful to please and obey me in all things, and depending upon me for thy well-doing and well-being. See the same phrase, Genesis 48:15; 1 Kings 8:25; Psalms 116:9. And be thou perfect, i.e. sincere, universal, and constant in my belief of my... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:2

I am come to renew, establish, and enlarge that covenant which I formerly made with thee. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:3

Abram fell on his face, partly in self-abasement, and a humble sense of his own undeservedness of such favours; and partly in reverence and worship to God, and a thankful acknowledgment of his marvellous kindness. Compare Leviticus 9:24; Ezekiel 43:3. read more

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:17-21

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:22

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:23

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:24-27

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:1

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:2

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:3

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