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Genesis 17 – The Covenant of Circumcision and the Change of Name

(Part 17 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)

Introduction

Thirteen years have passed since Ishmael’s birth. Abram is now 99 years old — still childless through Sarai, and perhaps wondering if God’s promise was forgotten. But God had not forgotten. He appears again with renewed authority, introducing Himself as El Shaddai — God Almighty — the One who is more than enough to perform His Word.

God expands and confirms His covenant:

• Abram’s name is changed to Abraham — “father of many nations.”
• Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah — “princess.”
• The covenant is sealed with the sign of circumcision.

This chapter teaches that God’s covenant comes with both identity and obedience — and that His timing, though delayed, is always perfect.

Theme: God keeps covenant by transforming names, giving identity, and sealing faith with obedience.

Verse-by-Verse Insights with Covenant Lessons

Genesis 17:1–2 – God Appears as El Shaddai

• “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me and be blameless.”
• God reminds Abram that He alone has the power to fulfill impossible promises.
• Covenant Lesson: Covenant relationship requires daily walk and faithful obedience.
• Illustration: Like electricity flowing only through connected wires, covenant power flows through consistent connection with God.

Genesis 17:3–5 – Abram Becomes Abraham

• God changes Abram’s name (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many nations”).
• The name change signifies identity transformation — not who he was, but who he would become through faith.
• Covenant Lesson: Every covenant comes with a new name — a mark of divine identity and purpose.
• Illustration: Like a bride taking her husband’s name, Abraham took on the name that reflected God’s promise, not his past.

Genesis 17:6–8 – The Covenant Expanded

• God promises that kings and nations will come from Abraham and his descendants.
• The covenant includes land (Canaan) and an everlasting relationship: “I will be their God.”
• Covenant Lesson: God’s covenant is generational — it outlives the one who receives it.
• Illustration: Like a trust fund that blesses future generations, God’s covenant invests in faith lines, not just lifetimes.

Genesis 17:9–14 – The Sign of Circumcision

• God commands that every male be circumcised as a sign of the covenant.
• Circumcision marked God’s people as set apart — a physical reminder of a spiritual relationship.
• Covenant Lesson: True covenant requires visible obedience that separates us from the world.
• Illustration: Like a wedding ring symbolizes a marriage vow, circumcision symbolized God’s eternal commitment and man’s response.

Genesis 17:15–17 – Sarai Becomes Sarah

• God changes Sarai’s name (“my princess”) to Sarah (“princess of many”).
• He promises that she will bear a son — even in old age. Abraham laughs in awe.
• Covenant Lesson: God’s covenant grace renews what seems barren and restores what seems impossible.
• Illustration: Like a tree that blooms after drought, Sarah’s womb would bear fruit through faith.

Genesis 17:18–22 – The Promise Clarified

• Abraham asks that Ishmael might live before God, but God answers that the covenant will be with Isaac, the son Sarah will bear.
• Ishmael w

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