Genesis 17:22-27

The writer’s use of the phrase "the very same day" (Genesis 17:26) points to a momentous day, one of the most important days in human history (cf. Noah’s entry into the ark, Genesis 7:13; and the Exodus, Exodus 12:17; Exodus 12:41; Exodus 12:51).

This fifth revelation from God advanced God’s promises in six particulars.

1. Part of God’s blessing would depend on Abraham’s maintaining the covenant of circumcision, though the Abrahamic Covenant as a whole did not depend on this (Genesis 17:1-2).

2. Many nations would come from Abraham (Genesis 17:4-6).

3. The Abrahamic Covenant would be eternal (Genesis 17:7-8).

4. God would be the God of Abraham’s descendants in a special relationship (Genesis 17:7-8).

5. Sarah herself would bear the promised heir (Genesis 17:16).

6. This is also the first time God identified the Promised Land as Canaan by name (Genesis 17:8).

"Abraham’s experiences should teach us that natural law [barrenness] is no barrier to the purposes and plans for [sic] God." [Note: Davis, p. 193.]

"Thus Abraham and Noah are presented as examples of those who have lived in obedience to the covenant and are thus ’blameless’ before God, because both obeyed God ’as he commanded them’ (Genesis 17:23; cf. Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5; Genesis 7:9; Genesis 7:16)." [Note: Sailhamer, The Pentateuch . . ., p. 160.]

Blameless does not mean sinless but with integrity, wholeness of relationship (cf. Genesis 6:9). God requires a sanctified life of those who anticipate His promised blessings.