Bible Commentaries
Genesis 17

Verse 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.

Verse 2

exceedingly. Figure of speech Epizeuxis ( greatly greatly) . App-6 .

Verse 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 ).

Verse 4

many. Emph. Figure of speech Antimereia (of Noun), for emphasis.

Verse 5

Abraham. The fifth letter of Hebrew alphabet (= H), put in middle of his name = No. 5, Grace. See App-10 . Abram = exalted father; Abraham = father of a multitude.

Verse 6

exceeding. Figure of speech Epizeuxis ( greatly greatly) . App-6 .

nations. Abraham was the progenitor not only of Israel, but of Ishmaelites, Midianites, Arabians, &c.

Verse 7

covenant: unconditional.

thy seed. Here, the collective noun ser'a is shown to be plural by the words "after thee" (compare verses: Genesis 17:8 , Genesis 17:9 ), and by the plural pronoun "their generations" (verses: Genesis 17:7 , Genesis 17:9 ). This is not the verse referred to in Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:16 , but Genesis 21:12 . See note on Genesis 21:12 , where "seed" must be in the singular because of the verb.

everlasting. Hence Israel so called. Isaiah 44:7 margin.

Verse 8

land . . . stranger. Hebrew. land of thy sojourning!

Verse 9

thy seed. Still practiced by Ishmaelites and others. Noncircumcision was the "reproach" of Egypt (Joshua 5:9 ).

Verse 12

eight = the number of Resurrection ( App-10 ); associated here with circumcision, the sign of death.

Verse 13

flesh. Figure of speech Synecdoche, for the whole person. App-6 .

Verse 14

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . Figure of speech Synecdoche, for person.

Verse 15

Sarah. The addition of the 5th letter (= H) of Hebrew alphabet (the No. of Grace, App-10 ) as in Abraham's case (Genesis 17:5 ) and Joshua's (Numbers 13:16 ). The letter (H) is common to both the names of Jehovah and Elohim. Sarai = princely; Sarah = princess.

Verse 16

kings. Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, Septuagint, and Syriac read "and kings".

Verse 17

laughed: for joy. Hebrew. was joyful. Compare John 8:56 , "rejoiced to see my day . . . and was glad. "The laughter of faith, Romans 4:19 . Sarah did not fall down as Abraham did, Genesis 17:3 .

Shall, &c. Figure of speech Erotesis. (Compare Hebrews 11:12 ).

Verse 18

might live, as though he thought Ishmael was to die: showing his faith in Isaac's birth. This is proved from Genesis 17:20 .

Verse 19

and. Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, Septuagint, Syriac read this "and" in the text.

Verse 20

I have heard. Showing the subject of Abraham's prayer.

exceedingly. Figure of speech Epizeuxis ( greatly greatly) .

Verse 21

Isaac. Hebrew. laughter.

set time. See note on Genesis 1:14 .

Verse 23

circumcised. Hence Ishmaelites and kindred nations still practice the rite.

Verse 25

thirteen. Symbolic; and in contrast with Isaac on eighth day. See App-10 , Ishmaelites and Arabians still circumcise in the 13th year.