Bible Commentaries

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Almighty GOD = El Shaddai. First occ See App-4. This title assures Abram that He Who had called him was almighty to supply all his need. Compare first occurance in N.T. (2 Corinthians 6:18), which assures us of the same supply.

walk = continue to walk.

exceedingly. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (greatly greatly). App-6.

fell. Compare Mary (John 11:32) and contrast Martha (John 11:21).

God = Elohim, Creator. Used in this ch. (verses: Genesis 17:3, Genesis 17:9, Genesis 17:15, Genesis 3:18, Genesis 3:22, Genesis 3:23) because He creates new names (verses: Genesis 17:5, Genesis 17:15), a new Sign of Covenant (verses: Genesis 17:9-14), and a new thing, from one as good as dead (Hebrews 11:12).

many. Emph. Figure of speech Antimereia (of Noun), for emphasis.

Abraham. The fifth letter of Hebrew alphabet (= H), put in middle of his name = No. 5, Grace. See App-10. Abram = exalted father; Abraham = father of a multitude.

exceeding. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (greatly greatly). App-6.

nations. Abraham was the progenitor not only of Israel, but of Ishmaelites, Midianites, Arabians, &c.

covenant: unconditional.

thy seed. Here, the collective noun ser"a is shown to be plural by the words "after thee" (compare verses: Genesis 17:8, Genesis 17:9), and by the plural pronoun "their generations" (verses: Genesis 17:7, Genesis 17:9). This is not the verse referred to in Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:16, but Genesis 21:12. See note on Genesis 21:12, where "seed" must be in the singular because of the verb.

everlasting. Hence Israel so called. Isaiah 44:7 margin.

land . . . stranger. Hebrew. land of thy sojourning!

thy seed. Still practiced by Ishmaelites and others. Noncircumcision was the "reproach" of Egypt (Joshua 5:9).

eight = the number of Resurrection (App-10); associated here with circumcision, the sign of death.

flesh. Figure of speech Synecdoche, for the whole person. App-6.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13. Figure of speech Synecdoche, for person.

Sarah. The addition of the 5th letter (= H) of Hebrew alphabet (the No. of Grace, App-10) as in Abraham's case (Genesis 17:5) and Joshua's (Numbers 13:16). The letter (H) is common to both the names of Jehovah and Elohim. Sarai = princely; Sarah = princess.

kings. Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, Septuagint, and Syriac read "and kings".

laughed: for joy. Hebrew. was joyful. Compare John 8:56, "rejoiced to see my day . . . and was glad. "The laughter of faith, Romans 4:19. Sarah did not fall down as Abraham did, Genesis 17:3.

Shall, &c. Figure of speech Erotesis. (Compare Hebrews 11:12).

might live, as though he thought Ishmael was to die: showing his faith in Isaac's birth. This is proved from Genesis 17:20.

and. Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, Septuagint, Syriac read this "and" in the text.

I have heard. Showing the subject of Abraham's prayer.

exceedingly. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (greatly greatly).

Isaac. Hebrew. laughter.

set time. See note on Genesis 1:14.

circumcised. Hence Ishmaelites and kindred nations still practice the rite.

thirteen. Symbolic; and in contrast with Isaac on eighth day. See App-10, Ishmaelites and Arabians still circumcise in the 13th year.