Send us a textGenesis 17 – The Covenant of Circumcision and the Change of Name(Part 17 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)IntroductionThirteen 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 LessonsGenesis 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 AbrahamGod 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 ExpandedGod 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 CircumcisionGod 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 SarahGod 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 ClarifiedAbraham asks that Ishmael might live before God, but God answers that the covenant will be with Isaac, the son Sarah will bear.Ishmael wSupport the show

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