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 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