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Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:6

Genesis 17:6. I will make thee exceeding fruitful, &c.— Abraham was exceeding fruitful, and kings of nations descended from him; not only among the Israelites, but also the Ishmaelites, Edomites, Saracens, and others: and, above all the rest, from him descended the Messiah, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:5

5. but thy name shall be Abraham—In Eastern countries a change of name is an advertisement of some new circumstance in the history, rank, or religion of the individual who bears it. The change is made variously, by the old name being entirely dropped for the new, or by conjoining the new with the old; or sometimes only a few letters are inserted, so that the altered form may express the difference in the owner's state or prospects. It is surprising how soon a new name is known and its import... 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

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 17:5

(5) Abram.—That is, high father.Abraham = Father of a multitude, “raham” being an Arabic word, perhaps current in Hebrew in ancient times. Another interpretation of Abram is that it is equivalent to Abi-aram, Father of Aram, or Syria. This too is an Arabic form, like Abimael in Genesis 10:28. By some commentators the stress is thrown upon the insertion of the letter “h,” as being the representative of the name Yahveh or Yehveh. (Compare the change of Oshea into Jehoshua, Numbers 13:16.) read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 17:1-27

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:1-27

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 17:5

17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be {b} Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.(b) The changing of his name is a seal to confirm God’s promise to him. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

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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