Structure Of Gen 17: 1-18

The next encounter Abraham had with God was in Genesis 15, in which God placed significant emphasis on the seed and the land. As Abraham had no son, he at first thought that his trusty servant, Eliezer, should become his son by adoption, and his heir. But God informed Abraham that his servant should not be his son and heir, but that he is going to have a son of his own flesh and blood and by faith Abraham believed God and it was counted unto righteousness (15:6). The author of the text, Moses, affirms that Abraham responded to God’s promise of innumerable seed with faith. But more than this one occurrence is in view; Moses is confirming that Abraham’s past pattern was one of faith in the Lord’s promises as seen in his repeated obedience. …show more content…
Victor P. Hamilton explains, “There are no less than five speeches of God to Abraham: I, vv. 1-2; II, vv. 3-8; III, vv. 9-14; IV, vv. 15-16; V, vv. 19-21. . . . In three of these speeches (nos. II, IV, V), the focus is on God’s commitment to bless. In the remaining two (nos. I, III), the focus is on God’s expectations of Abraham. The major speech by God to Abraham about Abraham’s need to take appropriate action (vv. 9-14) is ringed by speeches of God’s promises to Abraham (vv. 3-8 and 15-21), showing that the demands of God must be interpreted within the context of the promises of God.” The consequence or result of Abraham’s obedience will be the giving of a covenant between “God Almighty” and Abraham. “To give a covenant” is usually used in the context of the establishment of a covenant (Gen 9:12; Num 25:12). However, the Lord had already initiated His covenant with Abraham in Gen 15:18. Therefore, this covenant is either a second covenant the Lord makes with Abraham or a further confirmation and ratification of the covenant made previously. As Cleon L. Rogers, Jr. notes (as cited in Essex, 1999). Which I think that God was making a conformation when he told Abraham: "Sarah thy wife