Genesis 17:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 17:1-3

Here is, I. The time when God made Abram this gracious visit: When he was ninety-nine years old, full thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. 1. So long, it should seem, God's extraordinary appearances to Abram were intermitted; and all the communion he had with God was only in the usual was of ordinances and providences. Note, There are some special comforts which are not the daily bread, no, not of the best saints, but they are favoured with them now and then. On this side heaven they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine ,.... Which was thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael last mentioned; so many years more it was before be is expressly told he should have a son by Sarai, or had the promise of Isaac, which was for the trial of his faith; and his age is here observed, that the power of God might be more manifest in fulfilling his promise, and giving him a son by Sarai: the Lord appeared to Abram ; in a visible manner, in an human form very probably, even... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1

Verse 1 1.And when Abram was ninety years old and nine Moses passes over thirteen years of Abram’s life, not because nothing worthy of remembrance had in the meantime occurred; but because the Spirit of God, according to his own will, selects those things which are most necessary to be known. He purposely points out the length of time which had elapsed from the birth of Ishmael to the period when Isaac was promised, for the purpose of teaching us that he long remained satisfied with that son... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine —consequently an interval of thirteen years had elapsed since the birth of Ishmael; the long delay on the part of God being probably designed as chastisement for Abram's second nuptials (Calvin), and at least corresponding with Abram's undue haste (Lange)— the Lord appeared to Abram— lest he should regard Ishmael's birth as a complete fulfillment of the promise (Menochius), and be satisfied with Hagar's child as the expected seed (Calvin)— ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

- The Sealing of the Covenant1. שׁדי shaday, Shaddai, “Irresistible, able to destroy, and by inference to make, Almighty.” שׁדד shādad “be strong, destroy.” This name is found six times in Genesis, and thirty-one times in Job.5. אברהם 'abrâhām, Abraham, from אברם 'abrām “high-father,” and הם hām the radical part of המין hāmôn a “multitude,” is obtained by a euphonic abbreviation אברהם 'abrâhām, “father of a multitude.” The root רהם rhm is a variation of רום rvm; affording, however, a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 17:1

Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety-nine years old Full thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. So long the promise of Isaac was deferred; 1st, Perhaps to correct Abram’s over-hasty marrying of Hagar. 2d, That Abram and Sarai being so far stricken in age, God’s power in this matter might be the more magnified. The Lord appeared unto Abram In some visible display of his glory. And said, I am the almighty God By this name he chose to make himself known to Abram, Isaac, and Jacob,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:1-27

The covenant sealed (17:1-27)As Abram and Sarai grew older, God told them again that he would be faithful to his promises. He revealed himself to them in a new name of power (God Almighty) and gave them each new names (Abraham and Sarah) to emphasize that he would make them parents of a multitude (17:1-6,15-16). The Almighty had made a covenant to be God to Abraham and his descendants, and he would give them Canaan to be their homeland (7-8).To reassure Abraham that he would keep his covenant... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 17:1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . Almighty GOD = El Shaddai. First occ See App-4 . This title assures Abram that He Who had called him was almighty to supply all his need. Compare first occurance in N.T. (2 Corinthians 6:18 ), which assures us of the same supply. walk = continue to walk. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-2

"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.""Ninety years old and nine ..." Abram's reference to himself as being a hundred years old (Genesis 17:17) allowed for the passage of time before the child was born."Jehovah said, I am God Almighty ..." No redactor said this, God said it; and the denial of this... read more

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