Genesis 17:21-23 meaning

When God had finished talking, Abraham immediately took all the males in his household and circumcised them as God had commanded.

Isaac was the child promised to Abraham and Sarah, through him the Israelite nation would be multiplied, and Jesus would be born through his line of descendants, God’s covenant I will establish with Isaac. The time for Isaac’s birth was coming soon. In the next chapter God will tell Abraham “Sarah will bear to you at this season next year” (Genesis 18:10,14).
When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. God disappeared from Abraham’s sight. Abraham, Ishmael, and every male connected in any way with his household were all circumcised In the very same day. Abraham immediately complied with God’s instructions and circumcised the entire male population of his household. Abraham believed that God would intervene and provide a son through Sarah (Romans 4:17-19; Hebrews 11:11-12).

Biblical Text

²¹ “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” ²² When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. ²³ Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him.

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Additional Resources

Book Theme

Genesis is a book about many beginnings. The beginnings of the world, the human race, sin and redemption, and the nation of Israel to name a few. In fact, the word Genesis from the Greek means “origin,” and in Hebrew it means “beginning.” The book of Genesis contains the events of the flood, tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the lives of the Patriarchs.

In the beginning, God created everything by simply speaking, “God said…and it was so” (Genesis 1:6-7, 9, 11, 14-15). This is not a scientific technical account of creation, but it shows a loving God creating a universe and mankind to rule it and fellowship with God. Man was formed especially from the ground and given the breath of life from God. The woman was made from the man’s rib (Genesis 2:7).

After man fell into sin, things began to spin out of control quickly. Cain murdered his brother Abel and the human race became so violent that God decided to destroy them all with a flood. God saved one righteous man (Noah) and his family in an ark filled with animals to deliver the human race from extinction. God chose Abraham and blessed a special group of people named “Israel.” God began to unfold a plan of salvation from a coming famine by sending Joseph to rule in Egypt. The failure of man in every circumstance is met by the salvation of God. We fail, but the good news is God saves us.

Chapter Context

The Abrahamic covenant is confirmed in part and expanded to include a provision that is conditional. God adds a mutual provision, with conditions for Abraham to meet in order to receive added blessings. Abram and Sarai’s names are changed by God. The sign of the covenant, circumcision, is established and the promise of Isaac and his descendants is given. The events of chapter 17 take place 13 years after chapter 16.

Genesis 17:21-23 meaning

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Additional Resources

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The Bible Project - Genesis Summary Pt. 1

The Bible Project - Genesis Summary Pt. 2

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