Genesis 17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:24

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine ,.... See Genesis 17:1 . This circumstance of his age is observed the more to commend his faith and obedience, that though he was an old man, he did not consider his age, or make that an objection; that he was unable to bear the pain, or it would be shameful for a man of his years to be uncovered before his servants: when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin ; who circumcised him is not said, very probably Eliezer his head servant:... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:25

And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. Hence the Arabians, as Josephus F23 Antiqu. l. 1. c. 12. sect. 2. relates, circumcise their children when at thirteen years of age, because Ishmael, the founder of their nation, was circumcised at that age; and Origen F24 Philocalia, c. 23. p. 77. asserts the same; and with which agrees what an Arabic writer says F25 Ebnol Athir apud Pocock. Specimen Arab. Hist. p. 319. of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:26

In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. This is repeated, that it might be taken notice of that both were circumcised according to the command of God, and on the very day in which it was given. Jarchi observes, it was in the day, and not in the night; which shows, says he, he was not afraid of the Heathen, and of mockers; and that his enemies, and the men of that generation, might not say, if we had seen him, we would not have suffered him to be circumcised, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:27

And all the men of his house ,.... All the males, whether children or adult: born in the house, or bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him ; by their will, and with their consent; not forced to it, as Aben Ezra rightly observes; and these being before trained up by him in religious exercises, were more easily prevailed upon by him to follow his example; this also is repeated, that it might be served, and be an example to follow in after generations. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17

In the ninety-ninth year of Abram's life God again appears to him, announces his name as God Almighty, and commands him to walk perfectly before him, Genesis 17:1 ; proposes to renew the covenant, Genesis 17:2 . Abram's prostration, Genesis 17:3 . The covenant specified, Genesis 17:4 . Abram's name changed to Abraham, and the reason given, Genesis 17:5 . The privileges of the covenant enumerated, Genesis 17:6-8 . The conditions of the covenant to be observed, not only by Abraham,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1

The Lord appeared to Abram - See note on Genesis 15:1 . I am the Almighty God - שדי אל אני ani El shaddai , I am God all-sufficient; from שדה shadah , to shed, to pour out. I am that God who pours out blessings, who gives them richly, abundantly, continually. Walk before me - לפני התהלך hithhallech lephanai , set thyself to walk - be firmly purposed, thoroughly determined to obey, before me; for my eye is ever on thee, therefore ever consider that God seeth thee. Who... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face - The eastern method of prostration was thus: the person first went down on his knees, and then lowered his head to his knees, and touched the earth with his forehead. A very painful posture, but significative of great humiliation and reverence. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:5

Thy name shall be Abraham - Abram אברם literally signifies a high or exalted father. Ab - ra - ham אברהם differs from the preceding only in one letter; it has ה he before the last radical. Though this may appear very simple and easy, yet the true etymology and meaning of the word are very difficult to be assigned. The reason given for the change made in the patriarch's name is this: For a father of many nations have I made thee, גוים המון אב ab - hamon goyim , "a father... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:7

An everlasting covenant - עולם ברית berith olam . See note on Genesis 13:15 . Here the word olam is taken in its own proper meaning, as the words immediately following prove - to be a God unto thee, and thy seed after thee; for as the soul is to endure for ever, so it shall eternally stand in need of the supporting power and energy of God; and as the reign of the Gospel dispensation shall be as long as sun and moon endure, and its consequences eternal, so must the covenant be on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:8

Everlasting possession - Here עולם olam appears to be used in its accommodated meaning, and signifies the completion of the Divine counsel in reference to a particular period or dispensation. And it is literally true that the Israelites possessed the land of Canaan till the Mosaic dispensation was terminated in the complete introduction of that of the Gospel. But as the spiritual and temporal covenants are both blended together, and the former was pointed out and typified by the latter,... read more

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