GENESIS 17

THE COVENANT OF CIRCUMCISION + ABRAM’S NAME CHANGE  

God restates His covenant with Abram and gives Abram circumcision as a sign of the covenant. God refers to circumcision as the everlasting covenant because it will apply to all of Abram’s offspring. God instructs everyone eight days or older to be circumcised. Abram and Ishmael did not delay obedience and were circumcised that same day. 

God changes Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah. Name changes in the Bible often symbolize a transformation or divine calling from God, showing their new identity or purpose. 

God promises Abraham the birth of a son through Sarah. Because of Sarah’s old age, Abraham laughs at this promise, thinking it is impossible. God blesses Ishmael’s life, but states again that His covenant will be made with Isaac, a son of Abraham and Sarah. 

Circumcision is an operation where the foreskin, a covering of skin on the head of the penis of the male, is removed by surgery.