Summary
In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram at ninety‑nine and declares Himself as the Almighty, announcing a covenant that will make Abram a father of many nations. He changes Abram’s name to Abraham, promising innumerable descendants, kings, and an everlasting covenant of land in Canaan. God commands circumcision as the physical sign of this covenant for every male in Abraham’s household. He also renames Sarai to Sarah and assures her that she will bear a son, Isaac, in her old age, confirming the covenant’s fulfillment through Isaac. God blesses Ishmael, noting he will also become fruitful and have a great nation. The chapter concludes with Abraham and Ishmael being circumcised, fulfilling the covenantal ordinance.