Genesis 17:6

6. Exceeding fruitful… nations… kings A threefold promise, enhanced in the two following verses by the mention of “an everlasting covenant” and “an everlasting possession . ” Mark the gradation . 1) A numerous posterity, in itself an enviable blessing, and the glory of a Hebrews 2:0) That posterity would branch out into nations; a higher honour still than merely that of a numerous family . 3) These nations should rise to the dignity of mighty civil powers, and be represented and ruled by mighty kings . 4) God’s covenant with Abraham would abide through all the ages, an everlasting covenant, by which all the families of the earth should be blessed . 5) The land of Canaan for an everlasting possession . The whole is crowned by the closing words of Genesis 17:8.

And I will be their God Here observes Murphy, “the temporal and the spiritual are brought together . The land of promise is made sure to the heirs of promise for a perpetual possession, and God engages to be their God. The phrase perpetual possession has here two elements of meaning: first, that the possession, in its coming form of a certain land, shall last as long as the co-existing relations of things are continued; and, secondly, that the said possession, in all the variety of its ever grander phases, will last absolutely forever. Each form will be perfectly adequate to each stage of a progressive humanity. But in all its forms, and at every stage, it will be their chief glory that God is their God.”