Home Bible Commentary Genesis Chapter 17Genesis 17:21-23

Genesis 17:21-23 meaning

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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 (v 21). 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 (v 22). 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).

Genesis 17:21-23

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.