Gênesis 17
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Gênesis 17
NJB (follows MT versing) BACKGROUND Genesis 17 is a reaffirmation of the Covenant which was made in Genesis 15 and which was first announced in Genesis 12. It has been thirteen years since the promise of a son in Genesis 15. Genesis 17 sets the stage for God to fulfill His plan to Abram through Sarai. This chapter is a series of word plays based on the names of the individuals involved. Names were very important to the Hebrews (i.e., Gen. 16:11-12). At significant periods in their lives, they often changed their name to show the uniqueness of what was happening in their lives.
Gênesis 17:1-8
17:1-5 NASB divides this into two poems, Gen. 17:1b-2; 4-5, but NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NJB, and JPSOA do not. Remember, there is no textual marker for poetry, just beat patterns. 17:1 "ninety-nine years old" Genesis records Abram's age several times to give a chronology of his faith pilgrimage. 75 years old, Gen. 12:4 ‒ YHWH's first revelation to him 86 years old, Gen. 16:16 ‒ birth of Ishmael 99 years old, Gen. 17:1 ‒ YHWH's third revelation to him 100 years old (round number), Gen. 17:17 ‒ age at chapter 17 99 years old, Gen. 17:24 ‒ when circumcised 100 years old, Gen. 21:5 ‒ birth of Isaac no exact age, Gen. 24:1 ‒ "advanced in age" 175 years old, Gen. 25:7 ‒ age at death ▣ "the Lord" "YHWH" is the covenant name for God used in Exodus 3:14. It is used only here in this chapter. It seems to have been used very early by the line of Seth (cf. Gen. 4:26; and often by the Patriarchs). However, from Exod. 6:3 we are told that the Patriarchs normally called him El Shaddai, not YHWH. Maybe they called Him YHWH, but did not know the full significance of the name until the burning bush experience of Moses. SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.. ▣ "the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him" God appears to Abraham several times (i.e., Gen. 12:7; 18:1), but it has been thirteen years since the last recorded appearance. Obviously, YHWH was testing Abram's walk of faith. ▣ "I am God Almighty" The title "God Almighty" is El Shaddai. The etymology of Shaddai (BDB 994) is uncertain. The rabbis say that it means "self-sufficiency." The LXX and the Vulgate follow this understanding by translating it "God (El) Almighty." Apparently this was the patriarchal name for God (cf. Exod. 6:3). It is used six times in Genesis and thirty-one times in Job. Albright asserted that it is from an Akkadian root that can mean "mountain" or "rock" (cf. Ps. 18:1, 2). If the term implies, "God of the mountain" as the true meaning, then it must reflect Canaanite mythology (cf. Isa. 14:13; Ezek. 28:2) or Babylonian religion (i.e., ziggurats being raised on human-built mountains, cf. Genesis 11) on which to worship their gods. Whatever the original meaning, as early as Exodus 19-20 the focus will change to the God of Mt. Sinai (cf. Jdg. 5:5). Special Topic: SHADDAI ▣ "Walk before Me" This is the first of two commands by YHWH to Abram. walk ‒ BDB 229, KB 246, Hithpael IMPERATIVE be blameless ‒ BDB 224, KB 243, Qal IMPERATIVE YHWH seeks a fellowship with Abram as He had with Adam, Enoch, and Noah. The phrase "walk before Me" denotes an intimacy; a personal relationship; a distinctive type of faith and life! This is an emphasis on a lifestyle faith relationship which is a balance to the legal pronouncement of justification by grace through faith seen in Gen. 15:6. In the NT Paul and James unite these twin emphases of the Christian life (cf. Romans 4 and James 2). Notice that lifestyle is the condition for the covenant (cf. Gen. 17:9). All of the OT covenants are unconditional on God's part and conditional on human response. This same term (BDB 229, KB 246), "walk," is used of Enoch's (cf. Gen. 5:24), and Noah's (cf. Gen. 6:9) lifestyle faith. ▣ "blameless" This Hebrew root (VERB, BDB 1070, NOUN 1070, two ADJECTIVE forms, 1070 & 1071) denotes a "whole-heartedness," "completeness," "soundness," "integrity," and "innocence." It was used of Noah ‒ Gen. 6:9 Abram ‒ Gen. 17:1 (a command) Abimelech ‒ Gen. 20:5-6 Jacob ‒ Gen. 25:27 (usually translated "quiet" or "mild") Job ‒ Job 1:1,8; 2:3 Israel ‒ Deut. 18:13 David ‒ 2 Sam. 22:24; Ps. 18:23,25,32 YHWH ‒ Deut 32:4; 2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30 It also denotes a clean animal, a perfect representation of its breed, which was acceptable for sacrifice (i.e., Exod. 12:5; 29:1; Lev. 1:3,10; 3:1,6; 4:3,23,28,32). SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH 17:2 "I will establish" YHWH promises to "establish" His covenant ‒ BDB 678, KB 733, Qal COHORTATIVE; this is a common VERB with many connotations. The same VERB is used of YHWH's promise of "giving" Abram's descendants land in Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 15:7,18 and of Abram's complaint that YHWH had not "given" him children in Gen. 15:3. Note how this term is translated in chapter 17. a. establish, Gen. 17:2 b. make, Gen. 17:5 c. make, Gen. 17:6 d. give, Gen. 17:8 e. give, Gen. 17:16 f. make, Gen. 17:20 confirm, Gen. 17:2 make, Gen. 17:5 make, Gen. 17:6 give, Gen. 17:8 give, Gen. 17:16 make, Gen. 17:20 "multiply" ‒ BDB 915, KB 1176, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a COHORTATIVE sense (i.e., many descendants) the land is mentioned in Gen. 17:8 ▣ "My covenant between Me and you" Covenant is the central theme of the OT. YHWH comes to Abram in initiating grace, but he must respond, not only in initial faith and obedience, but also in lifestyle faith and obedience. There are mutual rights and also responsibilities. OT covenants are not between equals, but form the cultural pattern for the Hittite/Suzerain treaties of 2000 B.C. This covenant is further qualified in Gen. 17:7. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: HITTITE (SUZERAIN) TREATIES ▣ "I will multiply you exceedingly" This has been a common theme of YHWH's promise to Abram in his old age with his barren wife (cf. Gen. 12:2; 15:2-5; 13:16; 17:6). It becomes the basis for his name change. Just a reminder, this was God's original plan for all life forms (cf. Genesis 1 and note Isaiah 60). See note at Gen. 15:5. 17:3 "Abram fell on his face" This was a sign of respect and reverence for God (cf. Gen. 18:2), but note Gen. 17:17. ▣ "God" Elohim is the common name for God in the Ancient Near East, based on the root El. The rabbis say that it emphasizes God's power and control of nature as Creator, while YHWH emphasizes His grace and redemption. This seems to be a much better theory than that of source criticism JEDP). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. 17:4 "And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations" Notice that more nations than simply Israel are included in the lineage of Abraham (cf. Gen. 35:11; 48:4,19). This sets the stage for the NT understanding of Abraham being the father of all those who have faith (cf. Rom. 2:28-29; Gal. 3:1ff). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN 17:5 "Abram" His name will be changed to "Abraham," which means "the father of a multitude" (BDB 4). This is not scientific etymology, but a typical popular etymology so characteristic of these early chapters of Genesis. Many have said that "Abraham" is based on the promise in Gen. 12:2. 17:7 "I will establish" This VERB (BDB 877, KB 1086, Hiphil PERFECT with waw) in the Hiphil stem is used with oaths to assure their fulfillment (cf. Gen. 6:18; 17:19; Exod. 6:4; Lev. 26:9; Ezek. 16:62). YHWH is committing Himself to the completion of His promises. ▣ "an everlasting covenant" The Hebrew term 'olam (BDB 761) is from the root that means "to be hidden." It does not necessarily mean "forever and ever" (i.e., Gen. 17:8,13,19) but it must be interpreted in its context. SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('OLAM) SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT 17:8 "I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings" This is one of YHWH's initial promises (cf. Gen. 12:7; 13:15, 17; and 15:18) and later to Jacob in Gen. 48:4. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS ▣ "I will be their God" This becomes special covenant language (i.e., Exod. 6:7; 29:45; Lev. 26:12,45; Num. 15:41; Jer. 7:23; 11:4; 24:7; 30:22; 31:1,33). YHWH uniquely, in a sense exclusively, chooses Abram and his descendants to represent Him to the nations (cf. Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 29:12-13). YHWH loves the nations through him.
Gênesis 17:9-14
17:9 "you shall keep My covenant" This VERB (BDB 1036, KB 1581, Qal IMPERFECT) is repeated in Gen. 17:10. Remember that the covenant was conditional on Abraham's faith response, both initially and throughout his life. This truth can be clearly seen in Gen. 26:5; Exod. 12:24; 13:10; 15:26; 19:5; 20:6; 23:17; Lev. 18:4,5,26,30; 19:19,37; 20:8,22; 22:31; 25:18; 26:3; Deut. 4:2,6,9,23,40; 5:1,29; 6:2,3,12,17,25; 7:9,12; 8:1,2,6,11; 10:13; 11:1,8,22, etc. Obedience is crucial, not optional! SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP 17:10 "circumcised" Circumcision (BDB 557 II) was not an uncommon rite in the ANE. All of the surrounding people groups circumcised their children at puberty except possibly the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hivites, or Horites of central Palestine and the Philistines (Aegean people) who invaded the southern coast of Palestine in the 1200's B.C. (cf. Jer. 9:25-26). However, circumcision had a religious purpose for the Israelites. It was always an outer sign of an inner faith (cf. Deut. 10:16; Jer. 4:4; 9:26; Rom. 2:28-29; Col. 2:11-13). 17:11 "sign" See SPECIAL TOPIC: SIGN (OT) 17:12-14 Other races and peoples besides the Israelites were included in the covenant if they were obedient to YHWH's will (cf. Exod. 12:44; 20:10). This is the OT precedent for household faith as seen in the NT (cf. Acts 10:2; 11:14; 16:15,31-34; 18:8). 17:12 The word "circumcision" (BDB 557 II) is mentioned several times in this chapter. v. 10 ‒ Niphal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE v. 11 ‒ Niphal PERFECT with waw v. 12 ‒ Niphal IMPERFECT v. 13 ‒ Niphal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE (the combination of the IMPERFECT VERB and an INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE intensifies the action, "you shall surely be circumcised") v. 24 ‒ Niphal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT v. 25 ‒ Niphal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT v. 26 ‒ Niphal PERFECT v. 27 ‒ Niphal PERFECT YHWH took a common cultural practice, changed the time of its initiation and used it as a visible sign of His unique people. This was not for hygiene, but a religious purpose. 17:13 "an everlasting covenant" See note at Gen. 17:7. 17:14 "that person shall be cut off from his people" This is the same VERB used in the phrase "to cut a covenant" (Qal stem, cf. Gen. 15:10). In the Niphal stem it denotes the death penalty (cf. Exod. 12:15,19; 30:33,38; 31:14; Lev. 7:20,21,25,27; 17:4,9,14; 18:29; 19:8; 20:17,18; 22:3; 23:29; Num. 9:13; 15:30,31; 19:13,20; see note at NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 431). Disobedience had serious consequences. It affected the application of the "eternal covenant" to an individual. There are some scholars who prefer to see this VERB as representing a disfellowshiping or removal from the community instead of death. Scholarly discussion continues on this point.
Gênesis 17:15-21
17:15 "Sarai, but Sarah" Both names mean the same thing, but one is the older form. Some think the root is "princess" (BDB 979 I, KB 1354 I, Sarah ‒ KB 1354 II) from the VERB "to rule," but it is also possibly from the root "to strive," which may be better because of the root's relationship to "Israel" (cf. Gen. 32:28, BDB 975 I), which is from the same root "contend" (KB 1354 I). Sarah, a background overview. She was Abraham's wife She was barren, Gen. 11:29-30 She was his half-sister, Gen. 20:12 She was very beautiful, Gen. 12:10-13; implied in Gen. 20:1-7 She was a jealous lady, Gen. 16; 21:8-21 She laughed, as Abraham did (Gen. 17:17), at God's promises, Gen. 18:12-15 She died at the age of 127 and was buried at Hebron in the cave of Machpelah, Gen. 23:2-20 She is used in allegory with Hagar by Paul in the NT, Gal. 4:21-31 She is given as an example to woman by Peter in the NT, 1 Pet. 3:1-6 17:16 "I will give you a son by her" It had been thirteen years since the initial promise (i.e., Genesis 12). Ishmael was born through Hagar, but this was not the promised seed to establish the covenant. Abraham believed God in Gen. 15:6 (cf. Rom. 4:3), but it was not until many years later that the promise was fulfilled. ▣ "I will bless her" The Septuagint, Peshita, and the Vulgate all have the masculine which refers to Isaac, but the description is parallel to the promises given to Abram. ▣ "she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her" Again notice the emphasis on more than Israelites (cf. Gen. 17:6; see John 3:16; 4:42; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:1; 4:14). 17:17 YHWH is testing Abraham again. After all these years (i.e., 13) does he still believe (cf. Gen. 15:6) he will have a child (a son, an heir)? Abraham "laughs" (17:17); Sarah "laughs" (18:12,13,15). What did this represent? joy at the promise's fulfillment (cf. Gen. 21:6) gesture of doubt (cf. Gen. 19:14) Paul, in Rom. 4:19, focuses on Abraham's faith, but was this a developed faith after testing or the initial faith which tried to help the fulfillment by taking Hagar? These were not perfect people. There are no "perfect" people! God does not demand perfect faith! The focus in Genesis is YHWH's faithfulness, not Abram's or Sarai's! Note the distinction between Abraham's outward act, "fell on his face," but inner reaction, "laughed"! Only God can see both. SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD TESTS HIS PEOPLE 17:18 This may be another attempt to "help" God fulfill His promise (like Hagar) or it might be an expression of Abraham's genuine love for Ishmael. Calvin asserts that this was a lack of faith on Abraham's part and uses this verse in a negative sense. ▣ "Ishmael" Ishmael (BDB 1035) is the son of Hagar, Sarah's handmaiden. His name seems to mean "May God hear" and may be a play on Hagar's and Abraham's prayers. Ishmael is the father of the Arab tribes (cf. Gen. 16:10-12). 17:19 "you shall call his name Isaac" All of the other Patriarch's names are changed when they come into a relationship with YHWH except for Isaac. This is because his name was given by God from the very beginning. "Isaac" (BDB 850) is a wordplay on the word "laughter" (BDB 850). This is explained in Gen. 21:6. Sarah's unbelief will be changed to "laughter" and joy! ▣ "an everlasting covenant" This is the same Hebrew term 'olam (cf. Gen. 17:6, 8). It means "into the hidden future," not "forever and ever." See note at Gen. 17:7. 17:20 See Genesis 25:12-18, where the lineage of Ishmael is delineated. 17:21 This is the fulfillment of God's covenant promise begun in Genesis 12.
Gênesis 17:22-27
17:22 "God went up" God acted in the way commensurate with how the people of that day expected Him to act (cf. Gen. 11:5; 35:13). To modern western people this phrase implies an ascension, but it could be an idiom for "left suddenly." 17:23 "in the very same day, as God had said to him" This reflects Abraham's obedience (cf. Gen. 12:4; 22:3). 17:25 "And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin" Circumcision is still a puberty rite for the Arabs, who perform it at age thirteen. This possibly reflects this biblical account. It needs to be noted that the Israelites circumcised at eight days old, which is a sign of the covenant relationship, not a sign of personal faith (modern denominations use this as analogous to infant baptism). Faith must come and be lived out in order for the covenant to be valid to each individual.