Genesis 17:4

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:4

4. my covenant is with thee—Renewed mention is made of it as the foundation of the communication that follows. It is the covenant of grace made with all who believe in the Saviour. 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 17:4

(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

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 17:4

17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a {a} father of many nations.(a) Not only physical descendants, but of a far greater multitude by faith, Romans 4:17. 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

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 17:2-4

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Charming view of Abram's faith and humility. So, depend upon it more or less, are all Abram's spiritual children. See Daniel 8:17 - Daniel 10:15 ; Revelation 1:17 . Reader! do not overlook the expression. God calls it his Covenant. Yes! a Covenant ordered in all things, and sure, must be God's. And it is the happiness of his people, that He who hath made it, undertakes for its accomplishment. Jeremiah 32:40... read more

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