Genesis 17

1. Almighty God. EL-SHADDAI; a Divine title now first used, referring to the exercise of God’s power now about to be shown in the birth of Isaac. It is frequent in the Book of Job; it is used by Balaam (Numb. xxiv. 4, 16); and is united with Jehovah (Jahveh), the peculiar designation of God as the God of Israel, in Ruth i. 20, 21; Exod. vi. 2.

4 nations. Abram was the natural progenitor not only of the Israelites, but also of the Ishmaelites and Edomites, as well as of many Arabian tribes. But the promise seems to refer to him chiefly as the spiritual father of all believers (Rom. iv. 11, 17; Gal. iii. 29).

5 made thee. “Abram” signifies “high father”; a title such as might be borne by any ordinary sheikh. “Abraham” is “father of a multitude.”

10 circumcised. Circumcision was practised by other ancient nations, especially by the Egyptians; so that at the time of the Exodus, to be uncircumcised was “the reproach of Egypt” (Josh. v. 9). The descendants of Ishmael observe the rite to this day as punctiliously as do the Jews.

14 cut off. That is, from all their peculiar privileges; in some cases accompanied by further punishment (cp. Lev. xviii. 29 with xx. 10-16).

15. Sarai. Probably “contentious” (fr. Heb. verb sara, “to strive”). Sarah means “princess.”

17 laughed. The act of reverence that accompanied this laughter and the absence of reproof (contrast Sarah’s case, xviii. 13), shows that this cannot have been the laughter of scornful incredulity. Cp. John viii. 56.

18 live. A word often including all good. See 2 Pet. i. 3. Whilst Abraham gratefully accepts the promise, he prays that Ishmael may not be excluded from the blessing.

19. Isaac. Laughter. Or “he sports.”

25 thirteen years old. This is the age at which the children of many Arabian tribes are now circumcised.