Genesis 17-18

Chapter 17

Thirteen years after Abram had Ishmael by Hagar, God appears to Abram and renews His covenant, commanding him to receive circumcision (verses 1–14). Circumcision becomes the most important sign by which the people of Israel distinguish themselves from the Gentiles, and Chapter 17 records the origin of this covenantal sign.

 

God also changes the names of Abram and Sarai, thereby guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promises. God promises that Abraham will have a son through his wife Sarah, but Abraham struggles to believe this because both he and Sarah are advanced in age. In response, God even chooses the name of the son—Isaac— to assure Abraham that the covenant will surely be fulfilled (verses 15–19).

At the same time, God blesses Ishmael as well, promising that he too will become a great nation, and all the males in Abraham’s household receive circumcision (verses 20–27).

 

Q1) After a long time, how does God introduce Himself when He comes again to Abram (verse 1)?

Q2) What two instructions does God give to Abram (verse 5; verse 10)?

Q3) What promise does God give when He changes Sarai’s name to Sarah (verses 15–16)?

 

Chapter 18

After confirming His promise through the covenant of circumcision, God appears to Abraham in human form, accompanied by two angels (verses 1–7). Once again, God promises that Abraham will have a son through Sarah and reaffirms the covenant of salvation through that son (verses 8–15).

 

God then reveals to Abraham His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah (verses 16–21). In response, Abraham offers six intercessory prayers on behalf of the cities (verses 22–33).

 

Q1) What happens to Abraham at the place of the great trees of Mamre (verses 1–8)?

Q2) What promise does God give to Abraham after he welcomes the Lord (verses 9–15)?

Q3) When Abraham learns that God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah is near, what does he do (verses 22–23)?

 

Source: Becoming Church (Tistory)