Genesis 17:3

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 17:3

And Abram fell on his face ,.... At the sight of so glorious a Person that appeared to him, and in reverence of his majesty, and as sensible of his unworthiness of such a visit, and of having such favours bestowed upon him; and not because he was not as yet circumcised, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it; and so other Jewish F6 Jarchi in loc. Pirke Eliezer, ut supra. (c. 29.) writers observe, that before he was circumcised he fell, when God spoke to him, but afterwards he sat and... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:3

Verse 3 3.And Abram fell on his face We know that this was the ancient rite of adoration. Moreover, Abram testifies, first, that he acknowledges God, in whose presence all flesh ought to keep silence, and to be humbled; and, secondly that he reverently receives and cordially embraces whatever God is about to speak. If, however, this was intended as a confession of faith, we must observe, that the faith which relies upon the grace of God cannot be disjoined from a pure conscience. God, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face —in reverential awe and worship. Other attitudes of devotion are mentioned. And God —Elohim, the third name for the Deity within the compass of as many verses, thus indicating identity of being— talked with him, saying— 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 17:3

Genesis 17:3. And Abram fell on his face while God talked with him Either, 1st, As one overcome by the brightness of the divine glory; as Daniel and John also were. Or, 2d, As one ashamed of himself, and blushing to think of the honours done to one so unworthy. He looks upon himself with humility, and upon God with reverence; and, in token of both, falls on his face. 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 17:3

fell. Compare Mary (John 11:32 ) and contrast Martha (John 11:21 ). God = Elohim , Creator. Used in this ch. (verses: Genesis 17:3 , Genesis 17:9 , Genesis 17:15 , Genesis 3:18 , Genesis 3:22 , Genesis 3:23 ) because He creates new names (verses: Genesis 17:5 , Genesis 17:15 ), a new Sign of Covenant (verses: Genesis 17:9-14 ), and a new thing, from one as good as dead (Hebrews 11:12 ). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 17:3-5

"And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations. Neither shall thy name be any more called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.""And Abram fell on his face ..." "Man on his face, God on his throne, only in this posture can God really talk to us."[10]"As for me ..." The antithesis of this is in Genesis 17:9, where we have,... read more

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