Genesis 17:1-8

How Abram became Abraham

The Promise to Abram from God 

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17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty ; walk before me and be blameless.

 

2 I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."

 

3 Abram fell face down, and God said to him,

 

4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.

 

5 No longer will you be called Abram ; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

 

6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

 

7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

 

8 The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

How Abram became Abraham

The Promise (Contract)

God is restating His covenant with Abram in this passage. The covenant mentioned here is more like the terms of a contract.

We enter into contracts many times in our lives - when we take out a loan for a car or a mortgage on our homes; when we enter into an agreement with a partner; when we take the vows of marriage; etc. But, most contracts we enter are not as simple as the one made with God. His contract with Abram had two sections just as many contracts do today.

Abram's part of the agreement:

Obey God and be blameless

God's part of the agreement:

a) Abram would have many children (remember that Abram was 99 years old)

b) Abram's descendants would produce a multitude of nations

c) The covenant God made with Abram would also be offered to Abram's descendants

d) The land of Canaan would be given to the descendants of Abram

Seems a little one-sided, doesn't it?

Abram performs only two duties which are to obey God and circumcise the males in his household. In turn God would give him land, children, riches and power.

Many of the contracts we enter into are for the most part, an even trade. The contract is much different when we become children of God through Christ because we receive a tremendous amount of blessings for the little that we give. And remember, what we give back to God, He already owns.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Genesis 14:1-24 - Abram Rescues Lot during the War of the Kings