What does Genesis 17:5 Mean?

Study Notes

Abram Or, high father.
Abraham Or, father of many nations.

Context Summary

At least thirteen years had passed since the promise of Isaac was first made. Years of sorrow and discipline, but God had not forgotten. Always under such circumstances the Eternal voice bids us to walk before him and be perfect. Our surrender must be complete, our obedience absolute, our faith fixed steadfastly on the Promiser. So only can God fulfill His covenant, which includes fruitfulness, the salvation of our households, the inheritance and abundance of spiritual reproductiveness. These promises were made to Abram, being yet uncircumcised, when he was yet a Gentile, proving that they were irrespective of any mere Hebrew interpretation. See Romans 4:11. But the rite was the sign and seal of the national covenant with the Hebrew race. Spiritually it stands for the separation of the believer; and though the rite passed away with Judaism, its spiritual significance is permanent, see Colossians 2:11. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 17

¹  God renews the covenant with Abram,
⁵  and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing
⁹  Circumcision is instituted
¹⁵  Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed
¹⁷  Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed
²³  Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised