‘And when Abram was ninety nine years old Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai (God Almighty). Walk before me and be perfect and I will make my covenant between me and you and will multiply you greatly”.' Again the number is significant. It indicates that the miracle heir will... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 17:4 ‘And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him saying, “As for me, behold my covenant is with you and you will be the father of a multitude of nations”.' The presence of Yahweh is so real and awe-inspiring that Abram ‘falls on his face' as before a great king (compare Genesis 17... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And God said to Abraham, “And as for you, you will keep my covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant that you shall keep between me and you and your seed after you, every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you will not call her name Sarai, but her name shall be Sarah (princess).” The new name again stresses a new beginning in a new situation. Sarah is to share in Abraham's honour and her position as the producer of the chosen line is emphasised. She... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to him who is a hundred years old, and shall Sarah who is ninety years old produce a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you”.' The writer makes clear that Abraham's faith falt... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.' The order in the second phrase suggests that the first phrase means it was God Who left off talking with Abraham. The covenant was complete. Its various ramifications had been explained. Now the theophany ceases. “GOD WENT UP ---”.... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his wealth, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on the selfsame day as God had said to him.' Abraham obeyed immediately. No doubt he gathered the... [ Continue Reading ]
‘And Abraham was ninety nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, and Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised and Ishmael his son, and all the men of his house, those born in t... [ Continue Reading ]