Important notice: Always check out what you hear and see for yourself, as it is up to you as a Christian to do your own studying. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website here, without first always checking it out for yourself. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Genesis 17
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine (i.e. 99), the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect (i.e. continue to walk and be upright).
Here we see GOD's covenant with Abram brought up again from Genesis 15.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly (i.e. greatly).
Notice this is between GOD and Abram. Hagar was not a part of it. See Genesis 16:10 pertaining her promise.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram (= high father), but thy name shall be Abraham (= father of a multitude); for a father of many nations (gôwy) have I made thee.
Notice the word "nations" is plural. This lets us know that it doesn't just pertain to Israel, but also gentile nations as well. Notice also the letter h of Abraham's name is the fifth letter. Remember five represents grace in Biblical numerics. H is also the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Remember also that it will be through Abraham's seed that CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through, and how amazing HIS grace is that HE gives us across all nations, whereby forgiveness is provided to all who come to repentance. See also 2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 3:29, John 3:16.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
Not only is Abraham the father of the Israelites and the Jewish people, but also of the Ishmaelites, Midianites, and the Arabians. Through Abraham would eventually come the KING of all kings (JESUS CHRIST).
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant (i.e. unconditional), to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
As CHRISTians, we're included in this unending, unconditional covenant because the moment we accepted CHRIST into our lives and received HIM as our LORD and SAVIOR, we became "heirs" according to this promise of GOD's eternal kingdom (Heaven).
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger (= land of your sojournings), all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
The foreskin represents one of the most carnal parts of a man and is over the male reproductive organ, which is why it involves the covenant made with Abraham; that was a promise that his offspring would be a huge multitude of nations, that would go on to bless the entire world, as CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through his genealogy, and indeed it is through CHRIST in which the whole world is blessed, as all who dwell in HIM, will be in HIS eternal Kingdom. Please note, that this circumcision mentioned here was a shadow of the things to come. Though this was required under the old law, our circumcision today, which pertains to both males and females, is of the heart (mind), and we do that by accepting CHRIST into our lives as our LORD and SAVIOR, by becoming a CHRISTian (CHRIST follower) and turning away through repentance, from our flesh and sinful ways. CHRIST became our ultimate sacrifice when HE died for us on the cross and HIS blood was shed for one and all times. We aren't to perform blood ordinances and sacrifices today (Colossians 2:11-17). Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with a child being circumcised today, as long as it's not aimed for religious purposes, as in blood ordinances and sacrifices, as in doing so with that intention would be a sin. So is this covenant still in effect today? Of course but today it is of the heart (mind), and your sacrifice today is your time you give GOD, following HIM and studying HIS WORD. Again, just study Colossians 2:11-17.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
This "token" today is the joy and the warmth we experience in our hearts and minds as CHRISTians, that assures us that GOD's Spirit (the HOLY SPIRIT) lives within us. We live in CHRIST and HE lives in us.
12 And he that is eight (= the number of resurrection and new beginnings) days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
This pertains to those today who reject JESUS CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR, who want nothing to do with HIM. They are considered uncircumcised and because they want nothing to do with HIM, neither is CHRIST going to want anything to do with them in the end, if they don't repent. So unless those people repent and turn away from their wicked ways, they won't receive any inheritance which includes the eternity of everlasting life.
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai (= my princess) thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah (= princess) shall her name be.
Notice Sarai's name has also been changed; to "Sarah" that is. Notice the fifth letter of her name is also an h, which again is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and as we know five = grace. That is because she was also a part in bringing forth this covenant between GOD and Abraham. Through her would come Isaac, and eventually from umbilical cord to umbilical cord, Mary (a virgin), in which CHRIST would be born from; and again, what amazing grace HE has given us; though we don't deserve it, HE loves us enough to give it to us anyway.
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Most likely Abraham laughed for joy. After all, he was very faithful towards GOD and he knew what all GOD had brought him through already. It wouldn't make any sense for him to laugh in the sense of mocking. Keep in mind Sarah is already 89 years old at this time. Whenever GOD makes a promise, HE always keeps it. Never underestimate what GOD can do in our lives. See also John 8:56, Romans 4:19.
18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
Remember Ishmael is the son of Hagar and Abraham. Abraham loved Ishmael and maybe perhaps Abraham thought through the fulfilling of this covenant, that Ishmael might die and Isaac then being considered the first born, oldest: showing his faith that Isaac would be born. Below in verse twenty, we will see the comfort that GOD provides Abraham with, concerning Ishmael.
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac (= laughter): and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Again, it is through Ishmael that we have the Arab nations today.
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
I.e. it will be through Isaac that CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through, that would become our SAVIOR and our ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law.
22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Again, notice Abraham's obedience towards GOD.
24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Symbolic; and in contrast with Isaac on the eighth day. Ishmaelites and Arabians still circumcise today in the thirteenth year. Keep in mind thirteen denotes rebellion, apostasy, defection, disintegration, revolution etc.
26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Remember, our required circumcision today, for both males and females is to accept JESUS CHRIST into our hearts and minds as our LORD and SAVIOR, by becoming a CHRISTian (CHRIST follower) and when we do that, we become a heir of this eternal covenant which leads to eternal life. Have you received CHRIST into your life? Do you love HIM?
Here we see GOD's covenant with Abram brought up again from Genesis 15.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly (i.e. greatly).
Notice this is between GOD and Abram. Hagar was not a part of it. See Genesis 16:10 pertaining her promise.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram (= high father), but thy name shall be Abraham (= father of a multitude); for a father of many nations (gôwy) have I made thee.
Notice the word "nations" is plural. This lets us know that it doesn't just pertain to Israel, but also gentile nations as well. Notice also the letter h of Abraham's name is the fifth letter. Remember five represents grace in Biblical numerics. H is also the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Remember also that it will be through Abraham's seed that CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through, and how amazing HIS grace is that HE gives us across all nations, whereby forgiveness is provided to all who come to repentance. See also 2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 3:29, John 3:16.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
Not only is Abraham the father of the Israelites and the Jewish people, but also of the Ishmaelites, Midianites, and the Arabians. Through Abraham would eventually come the KING of all kings (JESUS CHRIST).
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant (i.e. unconditional), to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
As CHRISTians, we're included in this unending, unconditional covenant because the moment we accepted CHRIST into our lives and received HIM as our LORD and SAVIOR, we became "heirs" according to this promise of GOD's eternal kingdom (Heaven).
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger (= land of your sojournings), all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
The foreskin represents one of the most carnal parts of a man and is over the male reproductive organ, which is why it involves the covenant made with Abraham; that was a promise that his offspring would be a huge multitude of nations, that would go on to bless the entire world, as CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through his genealogy, and indeed it is through CHRIST in which the whole world is blessed, as all who dwell in HIM, will be in HIS eternal Kingdom. Please note, that this circumcision mentioned here was a shadow of the things to come. Though this was required under the old law, our circumcision today, which pertains to both males and females, is of the heart (mind), and we do that by accepting CHRIST into our lives as our LORD and SAVIOR, by becoming a CHRISTian (CHRIST follower) and turning away through repentance, from our flesh and sinful ways. CHRIST became our ultimate sacrifice when HE died for us on the cross and HIS blood was shed for one and all times. We aren't to perform blood ordinances and sacrifices today (Colossians 2:11-17). Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with a child being circumcised today, as long as it's not aimed for religious purposes, as in blood ordinances and sacrifices, as in doing so with that intention would be a sin. So is this covenant still in effect today? Of course but today it is of the heart (mind), and your sacrifice today is your time you give GOD, following HIM and studying HIS WORD. Again, just study Colossians 2:11-17.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
This "token" today is the joy and the warmth we experience in our hearts and minds as CHRISTians, that assures us that GOD's Spirit (the HOLY SPIRIT) lives within us. We live in CHRIST and HE lives in us.
12 And he that is eight (= the number of resurrection and new beginnings) days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
This pertains to those today who reject JESUS CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR, who want nothing to do with HIM. They are considered uncircumcised and because they want nothing to do with HIM, neither is CHRIST going to want anything to do with them in the end, if they don't repent. So unless those people repent and turn away from their wicked ways, they won't receive any inheritance which includes the eternity of everlasting life.
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai (= my princess) thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah (= princess) shall her name be.
Notice Sarai's name has also been changed; to "Sarah" that is. Notice the fifth letter of her name is also an h, which again is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and as we know five = grace. That is because she was also a part in bringing forth this covenant between GOD and Abraham. Through her would come Isaac, and eventually from umbilical cord to umbilical cord, Mary (a virgin), in which CHRIST would be born from; and again, what amazing grace HE has given us; though we don't deserve it, HE loves us enough to give it to us anyway.
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Most likely Abraham laughed for joy. After all, he was very faithful towards GOD and he knew what all GOD had brought him through already. It wouldn't make any sense for him to laugh in the sense of mocking. Keep in mind Sarah is already 89 years old at this time. Whenever GOD makes a promise, HE always keeps it. Never underestimate what GOD can do in our lives. See also John 8:56, Romans 4:19.
18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
Remember Ishmael is the son of Hagar and Abraham. Abraham loved Ishmael and maybe perhaps Abraham thought through the fulfilling of this covenant, that Ishmael might die and Isaac then being considered the first born, oldest: showing his faith that Isaac would be born. Below in verse twenty, we will see the comfort that GOD provides Abraham with, concerning Ishmael.
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac (= laughter): and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Again, it is through Ishmael that we have the Arab nations today.
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
I.e. it will be through Isaac that CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) would eventually come through, that would become our SAVIOR and our ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law.
22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Again, notice Abraham's obedience towards GOD.
24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Symbolic; and in contrast with Isaac on the eighth day. Ishmaelites and Arabians still circumcise today in the thirteenth year. Keep in mind thirteen denotes rebellion, apostasy, defection, disintegration, revolution etc.
26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Remember, our required circumcision today, for both males and females is to accept JESUS CHRIST into our hearts and minds as our LORD and SAVIOR, by becoming a CHRISTian (CHRIST follower) and when we do that, we become a heir of this eternal covenant which leads to eternal life. Have you received CHRIST into your life? Do you love HIM?