Abraham and Ishmael are Circumcised

Genesis 17:1–27
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Promise

In the last chapter, we saw Abraham’s tragic mistake in trying to hasten the work of God. He was 86 when Ishmael was born and 99 when Isaac was born. However, before Isaac could be born, faith had to be exercised. This chapter explains how the covenant was received:

1. In absolute subjection (vv. 1-3) - Abraham’s participation in the covenant was unconditional. The burden of fulfillment rested on God.

2. In absolute silence (4-16). Abraham lays in the dust listening while promises are given.

(a) The substance of the promise (vv. 4-8). - I will make thee fruitful.

(b) The seal of the promise (vv.9-14). - The right of circumcision.

(c) The spirit of the promise (vv. 15-16). - Not intended to be an expression of saving faith on the part of the child, but of submissive faith on the part of the parent.

Up to this point, Abraham had assumed that his descendants would come through Ishmael. When God told him that his wife Sarah would bear him a son, Abraham laughed. It seemed impossible for a barren 90-year-old woman to give birth to a son. Abraham’s lack of faith is evident by his request that God’s promises be fulfilled through Ishmael. Abraham’s desire that Ishmael would be the heir (vv. 17- 18). God makes it clear that it is Isaac and not Ishmael that will be the son of promise (v. 19). God assures Abraham that Ishmael will not be forgotten, but that he will have many descendants and become a mighty nation (v. 20). God has kept His word as the Arab world today stretches from the Atlantic seaboard to the Persian Gulf. This geographical area embraces some seventeen of the most strategically placed and economically wealthy countries in the world. The problem is that they don’t know God. Having received God’s word about Isaac, Abraham immediately obeyed God’s command in that he was circumcised at the age of 99, a reflection of his faith (vv. 21-27). He also had Ishmael circumcised at the age of 13.

Application

A religious act is meaningless. Consequently, the attitude in which I surrender myself to the Lord in complete obedience to His will is very important.