And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
23 27. Abraham circumcises his Household
23. And Abraham took, &c.] This verse repeats the directions contained in Gen 17:11-13.
in the selfsame day ] As in Gen 17:26: see note on Gen 7:13. The expression is characteristic of P. The performance of this rite upon all the males of Abraham’s household, consisting of several hundred (cf. Gen 14:14), in one day is hardly to be understood literally. The narrative is more concerned with the thought of the symbolism of a ritual precept, than with its literal practicability. The operation for full-grown males is a serious one, and not unattended with risk, cf. 34.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Gen 17:23-27
In the self-same day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son
Obedience to the Divine voice
I.
PROMPT.
1. To delay is to despise Gods authority.
2. It is safest to act upon moral impulses immediately.
II. UNQUESTIONING. Gods will is both law and reason.
III. COMPLETE. A particular and intense regard to Gods known will is the essence of piety. (T. H. Leale.)
Abrahams obedience to Gods command
There are three things in particular in the obedience of Abraham worthy of notice.
1. It was prompt. In the self-same day that God had spoken unto him, the command was put in execution. This was making haste, and delaying not to keep His commandments. To treat the Divine precept as matters of small importance, or to put off what is manifestly our duty to another time, is to trifle with supreme authority. So did not Abraham.
2. It was punctilious. The correspondence between the command of God and the obedience of His servant is minutely exact. The words of the former are, Thou shalt keep My covenant and thy seed after thee,. . .and he that is born in thy house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. With this agrees the account of the latter; In the self-same day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son; and all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him. A rigid regard to the revealed will of God enters deeply into true religion; that spirit which dispenses with it, though it may pass under the specious name of liberality, is antichristian.
3. Lastly: It was yielded in old age, when many would have pleaded off from engaging in anything new, or different from what they had before received; and when, as some think, it would be a further trial to his faith as to the fulfilment of the promise. Ninety-and-nine years old was Abraham when he was circumcised. It is one of the temptations of old age to be tenacious of what we have believed and practised from our youth; to shut our eyes and ears against everything that may prove it to have been erroneous or defective, and to find excuses for being exempted from hard and dangerous duties. But Abraham to the last was ready to receive farther instruction, and to do as he was commanded, leaving consequences with God. This shows that the admonition to walk before Him, and be perfect, had not been given him in vain. (A. Fuller.)
.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 23. And Abraham took Ishmael, c.] Had not Abraham, his son, (who was of age to judge for himself,) and all the family, been fully convinced that this thing was of God, they could not have submitted to it. A rite so painful, so repugnant to every feeling of delicacy, and every way revolting to nature, could never have sprung up in the imagination of man. To this day the Jews practise it as a Divine ordinance and all the Arabians do the same. As a distinction between them and other people it never could have been designed, because it was a sign that was never to appear. The individual alone knew that he bore in his flesh this sign of the covenant, and he bore it by the order of God, and he knew it was a sign and seal of spiritual blessings, and not the blessings themselves, though a proof that these blessings were promised, and that he had a right to them. Those who did not consider it in this spiritual reference are by the apostle denominated the concision, Php 3:2, i.e., persons whose flesh was cut, but whose hearts were not purified.
THE contents of this chapter may be summed up in a few propositions: –
1. God, in renewing his covenant with Abram, makes an important change in his and Sarai’s name; a change which should ever act as a help to their faith, that the promises by which God had bound himself should be punctually fulfilled. However difficult it may be for us to ascertain the precise import of the change then made, we may rest assured that it was perfectly understood by both; and that, as they had received this name from God, they considered it as placing them in a new relation both to their Maker and to their posterity. From what we have already seen, the change made in Abram’s name is inscrutable to us; there is something like this in Re 2:17: To him that overcometh will I give a white stone, and a NEW NAME-which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it. The full import of the change made in a soul that enters into covenant with God through Christ, is only known to itself; a stranger intermeddleth not with its joy. Hence, even men of learning and the world at large have considered experimental religion as enthusiasm, merely because they have not understood its nature, and have permitted themselves to be carried away by prejudices which they have imbibed perhaps at first through the means of ignorant or hypocritical pretenders to deep piety; but while they have the sacred writings before them, their prejudices and opposition to that without which they cannot be saved are as unprincipled as they are absurd.
2. God gives Abraham a precept, which should be observed, not only by himself, but by all his posterity; for this was to be a permanent sign of that covenant which was to endure for ever. Though the sign is now changed from circumcision to baptism, each of them equally significant, yet the covenant is not changed in any part of its essential meaning. Faith in God through the great sacrifice, remission of sins, and sanctification of the heart, are required by the new covenant as well as by the old.
3. The rite of circumcision was painful and humiliating, to denote that repentance, self-denial, c., are absolutely necessary to all who wish for redemption in the blood of the covenant and the putting away this filth of the flesh showed the necessity of a pure heart and a holy life.
4. As eternal life is the free gift of God, he has a right to give it in what way he pleases, and on what terms. He says to Abraham and his seed, Ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and he that doth not so shall be cut off from his people. He says also to sinners in general, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Repent, and believe the Gospel; and, Except ye repent, ye shall perish. These are the terms on which he will bestow the blessings of the old and new covenants. And let it be remembered that stretching out the hand to receive an alms can never be considered as meriting the bounty received, neither can repentance or faith merit salvation, although they are the conditions on which it is bestowed.
5. The precepts given under both covenants were accompanied with a promise of the Messiah. God well knows that no religious rite can be properly observed, and no precept obeyed, unless he impart strength from on high; and he teaches us that that strength must ever come through the promised seed. Hence, with the utmost propriety, we ask every blessing through him, in whom God is well pleased.
6. The precept, the promise, and the rite, were prefaced with, “I am God all-sufficient; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” God, who is the sole object of religious worship, has the sole authority to prescribe that worship, and the rites and ceremonies which shall be used in it; hence he prescribed circumcision and sacrifices under the old law, and baptism and the eucharist under the Gospel; and to render both effectual to the end of their institution, faith in God was indispensably necessary.
7. Those who profess to believe in him must not live as they list, but as he pleases. Though redeemed from the curse of the law, and from the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish Church, they are under the law to Christ, and must walk before him – be in all things obedient to that moral law which is an emanation from the righteousness of God, and of eternal obligation; and let it ever be remembered that Christ is “the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him.” Without faith and obedience there can be no holiness, and without holiness none can see the Lord. Be all that God would have thee to be, and God will be to the”‘ all that thou canst possibly require. He never gives a precept but he offers sufficient grace to enable thee to perform it. Believe as he would have thee, and act as he shall strengthen thee, and thou wilt believe all things savingly, and do all things well.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Circumcised the flesh of their foreskin; partly by his own hand, and partly by the help of others, whom he by Divine instinct called to and directed in that work;
in the self-same day, in which God appeared to him and gave the command. So he made haste and delayed not to execute Gods command. And his servants also yielded a ready and cheerful obedience to this severe and painful precept, being moved thereunto by Abrahams example and sovereign authority, by Gods powerful presence some way or other manifested to them, and by the prospect and hope of Gods blessing to accompany and follow his own ordinance.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Abraham took Ishmael his son,…. To circumcise him; he took his son first, to set an example to his servants, and that they might the more readily comply when they saw that Abraham’s son, and at that time his only son, was circumcised before their eyes:
and all that were born in his house; which were three hundred and eighteen when he rescued Lot from the kings, Ge 14:14; and perhaps they might be now increased:
and all that were bought with his money; how many those were, it is not easy to say, no doubt they were many:
every male among the men of Abraham’s house; whether children or servants, and those little or grown up:
and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin, in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him; he performed this operation in the manner God directed him, the same day he spoke to him of it; he was not disobedient, nor dilatory to obey the command of God, but at once complied with it, not consulting flesh and blood, not regarding the pain he and his should endure, or the shame or danger they should be exposed unto through the Heathens about them; but trusting in God, and committing himself to him, and having his fear before his eyes, he hesitated not, but cheerfully did the will of God. In doing this work he might have some assistance: it is highly probable he began it himself, and circumcised several; and having taught some of his servants how to perform it according to the divine prescription, they might assist him in going through with it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
| Circumcision of Abraham, c. | B. C. 1898. |
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. 24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. 27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
We have here Abraham’s obedience to the law of circumcision. He himself and all his family were circumcised, so receiving the token of the covenant and distinguishing themselves from other families, that had no part nor lot in the matter. 1. It was an implicit obedience: He did as God had said to him, and did not ask why or wherefore. God’s will was not only a law to him, but a reason; he did it because God told him. 2. It was a speedy obedience: In the self-same day,Gen 17:23; Gen 17:26. Sincere obedience is not dilatory, Ps. cxix. 60. While the command is yet sounding in our ears, and the sense of duty is fresh, it is good to apply ourselves to it immediately, lest we deceive ourselves by putting it off to a more convenient season. 3. It was a universal obedience: He did not circumcise his family and excuse himself, but set them an example; nor did he take the comfort of the seal of the covenant to himself only, but desired that all his might share with him in it. This is a good example to masters of families; they and their houses must serve the Lord. Though God’s covenant was not established with Ishmael, yet he was circumcised; for children of believing parents, as such, have a right to the privileges of the visible church, and the seals of the covenant, whatever they may prove afterwards. Ishmael is blessed, and therefore circumcised. 4. Abraham did this though much might be objected against it. Though circumcision was painful,–though to grown men it was shameful,–though, while they were sore and unfit for action, their enemies might take advantage against them, as Simeon and Levi did against the Shechemites,–though Abraham was ninety-nine years old, and had been justified and accepted of God long since,–though so strange a thing done religiously might be turned to his reproach by the Canaanite and the Perizzite that dwelt then in the land,–yet God’s command was sufficient to answer these and a thousand such objections: what God requires we must do, not conferring with flesh and blood.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Verses 23-27:
Verses 23-27: Abraham proceeded to implement the instructions God gave him regarding the sign or token of the covenant. The “selfsame day” does not necessarily mean that Abraham and all the males of his household were circumcised on the same day he talked with God, although this is possible. Likely the expression indicates that all were circumcised on the same day. Considering the size of Abraham’s household this must have been quite an undertaking. In addition to Abraham and Ishamael, there were at least three hundred eighteen men of military age among Abraham’s servants (Ge 15:14).
In ancient times, the rite of circumcision was performed with sharp knives of flint rock. Some expositors trace the origin of circumcision to the Egyptians, and say that Abraham borrowed it from them. It is highly unlikely that any ceremony of such spiritual importance in the true worship of Jehovah would be borrowed from a pagan practice. There appears to be no justification for this position. Circumcision was instituted by Jehovah God Himself, and is of deep significance in His Covenant of Grace with Abraham.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
23. And Abraham took Ishmael Moses now commends the obedience of Abraham because he circumcised the whole of his family as he had been commanded. For he must, of necessity, have been entirely devoted to God, since he did not hesitate to inflict upon himself a wound attended with acute pain, and not without danger of life. To this may be added the circumstance of the time; namely, that he does not defer the work to another day, but immediately obeys the Divine mandate. There is, however, no doubt, that he had to contend with various perplexing thoughts. Not to mention innumerable others, this might come into his mind, ‘As for me, who have been so long harassed with many adverse affairs, and tossed about in different exiles, and yet have never swerved from the word of God; if, by this symbol, he would consecrate me to himself as a servant, why has he put me off to extreme old age? What does this mean, that I cannot be saved unless I, with one foot almost in the grave, thus mutilate myself?’ But this was an illustrious proof of obedience, that having overcome all difficulties, he quickly, and without delay, followed where God called him. And he gave, in so doing, an example of faith not less excellent; because, unless he had certainly embraced the promises of God, he would by no means have become so prompt to obey. Hence, therefore, arose his great alacrity, because he set the word of God in opposition to the various temptations which might disturb his mind, and draw him in contrary directions.
Two things also here are worthy of observation. First, that Abraham was not deterred by the difficulty of the work from yielding to God the duty which he owed him. We know that he had a great multitude in his house, nearly equal to a people. It was scarcely credible that so many men would have suffered themselves to be wounded apparently to be made a laughingstock. Therefore it was justly to be feared, that he would excite a great tumult in his tranquil family; yea, that, by a common impulses the major part of his servants would rise up against him; nevertheless, relying upon the word of God, he strenuously attempts what seemed impossible.
We next see, how faithfully his family was instructed; because not only his home-born slaves, but foreigners, and men bought with money, meekly receive the wounds which was both troublesome, and the occasion of shame to carnal sense. It appears then that Abraham diligently took care to have them prepared for due obedience. And since he held them under holy discipline, he received the reward of his own diligences in finding them so tractable in a most arduous affair. So, at this day, God seems to enjoin a thing impossible to be done, when he requires his gospel to be preached every where in the whole world, for the purpose of restoring it from death to life. For we see how great is the obstinacy of nearly all men, and what numerous and powerful methods of resistance Satan employs; so that, in short, all the ways of access to these principles are obstructed. Yet it behoves individuals to do their duty, and not to yield to impediments; and, finally our endeavors and our labors shall by no means fail of that success which is not yet apparent.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.
Gen. 17:25. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised.] From this circumstance has followed the usage of the Arabians, who circumcise their males in the thirteenth year.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Gen. 17:23-27
OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE VOICE
God had ceased speaking, and went up from Abraham (Gen. 17:22). The end of every Divine revelation is not to satisfy curiosity, or even our desire of knowledge for its own sake, but to impart unto us light and strength for our duty. Gods word is intended to teach us how to live. Nothing remained for Abraham but to do what he had heard. He had to turn all his thought and feeling into action. Like St. Paul, he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. We have here some characteristics of his obedience.
I. It was prompt. In that self-same day Abraham carried Gods command into execution (Gen. 17:23). He made haste and delayed not. He reasoned not with himself, he did not leisurely survey his duty, but rushed into it at once. When God once commands, so that we are clear as to what our duty really is, we should not hesitate, but immediately obey.
1. To delay is to despise Gods authority. In some cases we have to dispute the commands of our fellow-creatures, because they may be unreasonable or opposed to virtue. But when such commands are lawful, when the authority is properly constituted, it is our duty to obey. To despise it is lawlessness. Gods authority is paramount, and admits of no dispute. To refuse to submit at once to it is rebellion.
2. It is safest to act upon moral impulses immediately. In the affairs of this life, it is wise to act upon the maxim that second thoughts are best. They often prove themselves to be a wiser first. The prudence of business is deliberationtaking time to consider. The first prospects of schemes which promise us riches or advancement may be dazzling, but how often is the charm dissolved when we have taken time to weigh and consider. But this maxim of worldly prudence does not stand good in the things of religion. In all matters regarding duty and conscience first thoughts are best. On questions concerning the lawfulness of actions, the nature and obligation of duty, our first convictions are sure to be right. If we take time to consider we only give temptation the opportunity to acquire a dangerous strength. The light which comes from conscience is instantaneous, and our highest wisdom is to accept it at once as our guide. St. Paul, in giving an account of his conversion, tells us how he made no pause, but suddenly acted upon his conviction: When it pleased God to reveal His Son in me immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Moral convictions are only weakened by delay to obey them. Our safety lies in turning them at once into duty.
II. It was unquestioning. Abraham did not begin to argue or disputeto trouble himself with inquiries as to why such a painful rite had been so long delayed in his own case, or why it should be necessary at all. He stayed not to investigate the rational grounds of the command. It is sufficient for faith that God has spoken, and His will is both law and reason. Our position as creatures forbids all questioning. He who made us has the right to command us. He knows the reasons of all His dealings with us, though to us they seem obscure. The servants of God should have the spirit of true soldiers who have devoted their lives to maintain the honour and power of their country. Theirs not to reason why; theirs but to do and die.
III. It was complete. Gods word was literally obeyed, and in every particular. Abraham caused the command to be extended to all who were the subjects of it. His son was circumcised and all his servants. He did not exempt himself (Gen. 17:24). Thus obedience should not be partial, nor measured by our own inclinations, but should respect the whole of the commandment. A particular and intense regard to Gods known will is the essence of piety. Thus did Abraham, and thus completely had he followed the Divine injunction given to him at this second stage of the CovenantWalk before Me, and be thou perfect (Gen. 17:1).
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen. 17:23. That is, ordered it to be done; saw that it was done. As no express directions were given as to the operator, such agents might be employed as the head of the household saw fit. In Exo. 4:25, we see a mother performing it; but in modern times it is usually performed by some experienced person; and it is not only considered a great honour to be a circumciser (mohel), but the occasion is made one of great rejoicing and festivity. The conduct of Abraham on this occasion furnished a bright example to all succeeding ages of the manner in which Divine ordinances should be complied with.(Bush.)
It is necessary that all the circumstances belonging to positive ordinances should be minutely detailed. Hence the particular description here given.
In selecting Ishmael as the first to receive the token of the Covenant, the rest would be encouraged to follow. They would see that Abraham was in earnest. He began with those nearest and dearest to him. We can only hope to bring others into the ways of obedience when we first set the example ourselves.
Nothing was said as to the time at which Abraham should begin to perform this rite. But he makes haste to obey. Such is always the impulse of a truly devoted and affectionate heart. To delay in keeping His commandments is an evidence of lack of love for God and His law.
The fact that even those who were bought with Abrahams money submitted to this painful rite, is a proof of the strong influence of his religious character upon them. Not sudden enthusiasm, but a life of piety and obedience can command such influence.
It was a household dedication. The aged patriarch and the youthful son, and all the men-servants, no matter how they came into the household, were thus marked as sharers in the Covenant, and the patriarchs house was stamped in their very flesh as the Lords. Domestic piety is beautiful. The Passover and Circumcision were both of them household seals, and so are Baptism and the Lords Supper. Everywhere there are the simple elementsa little bread and wine, and a little waterand what doth hinder? (Act. 8:36). And God is faithful. Christ is the Head of His house, as the Covenant Son, in whom we have all blessings. Parental fidelity God covenants to bless (ch. Gen. 18:19). (Jacobus).
Gen. 17:24. This obedience was yielded in old age, when the infirmity of nature is prone to plead off from engaging in anything new or different from that to which it has been accustomed. Yet it seems to be for the purpose of putting honour upon Abrahams obedience that it is so expressly said, Ninety and nine years old was Abraham when he was circumcised. It is one of the temptations of old age to be tenacious of what we have believed and practised from our youth; to shut our eyes and ears to everything that may prove it to have been erroneous or defective, and to find excuses for being exempted from hard and dangerous duties. But Abraham to the last was ready to receive further instruction, and to do as he was commanded, leaving consequences with God.(Bush.)
Gen. 17:25. He commanded his children and his household after him, that they might keep the way of the Lord (ch. Gen. 18:19). This boy of thirteen years of age, poor Ishmael, might have claimed to judge for himself, if he had been so trained as to be left to himself. This is the age at which a boy became a son of the law, and was regarded as of age to take the Sacrament of the Passovertwelve to thirteen years of age. Jesus went up to the Passover at twelve. Ishmael was now thirteen. Children, when they come to such years of discretion, should be taught their duty in regard to assuming sacramental obligations, and coming forward to the full benefit of the Christian church.(Jacobus).
Gen. 17:26-27. The head of the household is responsible for the religious training of those committed to his chargehis children, his servants. All should receive the signs of Gods Covenant, and be placed in a position to obtain the blessings appended to it.
It is Gods plan to make good men the centres of light and privilege to others. All who in any way come under their influence are placed at a superior advantage, and may partake with them of the same blessings.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
23. Abraham in the selfsame day The promptness of his obedience is noticeable . Abraham’s “faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect . ” Jas 2:22.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his wealth, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on the selfsame day as God had said to him.’
Abraham obeyed immediately. No doubt he gathered the men together and explained the wonderful theophany he had experienced and described the terms of the covenant, and then the ceremony would take place as a dedication to the God of the covenant. But what matters is that the demands were fulfilled. Then the covenant was put into writing and the following final verses are the confirmation of the fulfilment of the demands of the covenant.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Abraham’s Obedience
v. 23. And Abraham took Ishmael, his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. v. 24. And Abraham was ninety years old and nine when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
v. 25. And Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
v. 26. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised and Ishmael, his son.
v. 27. And all the men of his house, born in the house and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Gen 17:23. In the self-same day, &c. Thus the great patriarch shewed the most prompt obedience to the Divine command; and there can be no doubt, but the ready obedience of all his family to an injunction so severe and painful, sprung from the assurance which Abraham gave them of the Divine command. Josephus informs us, that the descendants of Ishmael circumcised their children at the age of thirteen.
Learn from this instant obedience of Abraham, that God’s commands were law and reason to him. He cheerfully receives the seal, as he had gratefully accepted the promise. Note; 1. The positive institution of God admits no reasoning: it is enough he enjoins us the sign, for us to use it. 2. True obedience never defers till to-morrow what can be done to-day; for who knows what a day may bring forth? 3. They who would guide others in the right way, must first shew the example.
General reflections on the history of Abraham, from the time of his call, ch. 12: to his circumcision, ch. 17:
It was proper, that he who was appointed to be the father and the pattern of the faithful, should have his own faith thoroughly tried: for in a set copy every fault is important, and may be a rule of error. No son of Abraham can hope to escape trials, when he sees that bosom in which he desires to rest, so assaulted with difficulties.
As the first trial of his faith, Abraham is called to leave his country and his kindred; and to go to a place which he knew not, and where the people knew not him. It is comfort enough for a good man, that, wheresoever he is, he is acquainted with God. Never any man was a loser by his obedience to God: because Abraham readily obeyed, God promises to him and his seed the possession of Canaan. And behold, he takes possession for that seed which he had not, which in nature he was not like to have; of that land wherein he should not have one foot, wherein his seed should not be settled for almost five hundred years! The power of faith can prevent time, and make future things present. If we are the true children of Abraham, we have already (while we sojourn as pilgrims and strangers upon earth) the possession of our land of promise, our better country. While we seek it in obedience to the Almighty Lord of it, we have it! happy they who so seek it; who, after Abraham’s example, are ready to leave all things at the call of God, waiting like him for that city, which hath foundations, and whose builder and maker will not be ashamed to be called their God! Read Heb 11:8-16.
But what shall we say of this great patriarch’s weakness! hitherto hath Sarah been his wife; AEgypt now hath made her his sister! Alas, such is human frailty. He who lived by his faith, yet shrinketh and sinneth. But, be it observed to our comfort, that some small mixture of unbelief cannot hinder the praise and the power of faith: Abraham believed, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. He, who twice doubted of his own life, doubted, not of the life of his seed, even from the aged and barren Sarah, at least as soon as God had emphatically declared it: yet was it more difficult that his posterity should live in Sarah, than that Sarah’s husband should live in AEgypt: this was above nature, yet he believes it. There are instances where the believer has hesitated at easy trials, and yet has broken through the greater temptations without fear. Abraham was old before this promise and hope of a son was given; and still the older, the greater the improbability, humanly speaking: yet God keeps him in suspense twenty-five years for the performance! No time is long to true faith, which learns to defer hopes without fainting; and fully assured of the Divine veracity, patiently waits God’s time for the completion of all his gracious purposes! Lord, increase this powerful faith in all our hearts!
What a lively pattern may we observe in Abraham and Sarah of a strong, and of a weak faith! strong in Abraham, weak in Sarah! doubting of herself, she would substitute a Hagar to make good the Divine word: she will rather conceive by another, than be childless: again, when she hears of an impossibility to nature, she doubteth; and yet endeavours to hide her diffidence. On the other hand, Abraham hears and believes: he saith not, I am old and weak, and Sarah is old and barren: where are the many nations which shall spring from these withered loins? It is enough to him, that God hath said it; he sees not the means, he sees the promise. He knew that God would rather raise him up seed from the very stones he trod upon, than that he should fail of the numerous issue promised. Difficulties are frequently the proper objects of faith: God will assuredly bless those who trust in his infallible word: none was ever a loser by believing in him: none ever trusted in him and was confounded, or failed of an ample recompence. O that men would therefore confide in his promises, and humbly depend on his never-failing mercy!
But Abraham is not content only to wait for God; he is ready to smart for him: he is glad to bear a painful mark of his Creator’s love: he is forward to seal this covenant with blood, betwixt God and him. The wound was not so grievous, as the signification was comfortable. For herein he saw, that from him should descend that blessed Seed, which should purify his soul from all corruption. Well is that part of us lost, which may give assurance of the salvation of the whole: well is the right hand cut off, if the remainder of the man may be preserved: our faith is not yet perfect, if it have not taught us to neglect pain for God.
The faith of Abraham triumphed over every difficulty: for he was satisfied, that the increasing these difficulties against the promise of God, was not able to retard them; and that God could renew the strength of a man of an hundred years. And it is to preserve the remembrance of the power of God, who had given a son to a man of a hundred years old; and also the remembrance of the faith of that man who waited for the same son, in spite of his advanced age, and of an operation so singular: it is, I say, to keep up the remembrance of this double event, among other reasons, that God prescribed to all the Jews the sacrament of circumcision. He thought fit that this token, received by Abraham’s posterity, should be a perpetual memorial of their beginning: He thought fit that this token should bring back to their minds, at one and the same time, the faith of their father, who, against hope, believed in hope, and was not weak in faith; and the fidelity of their God, who, from one man only, and him very old, was able to raise up a people as numerous as the stars, or the sands upon the sea-shore.
Let us however once more observe, as we are admonished by St. Paul (Romans 4.) that Abraham was justified by faith before he received the sign of circumcision: whence the apostle concludes, that neither circumcision, nor any other external rite, can render a man acceptable to God: this can be effected only by a sincere faith, which necessarily produces a steady obedience. In this we are to copy after the example of Abraham. He is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh only: but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. Nevertheless, this same history shews, that the external signs of the Divine covenant are neither to be despised nor neglected; particularly the ceremonies which God hath expressly and minutely appointed, as means to strengthen our faith, and confirm his promises. May we be so wise, through God’s grace, as to respect and observe them religiously; and to make so proper and happy an use of them, as may serve to confirm us in the love of Christ, and excite us more and more to the love of all mankind!
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Gen 17:23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Ver. 23. Abraham took Ishmael. ] To make the other more willing.
Circumcised the flesh.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
circumcised. Hence Ishmaelites and kindred nations still practice the rite.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
circumcised: Gen 17:10-14, Gen 17:26, Gen 17:27, Gen 18:19, Gen 34:24, Jos 5:2-9, Psa 119:60, Pro 27:1, Ecc 9:10, Act 16:3, Rom 2:25-29, Rom 4:9-12, 1Co 7:18, 1Co 7:19, Gal 5:6, Gal 6:15
Reciprocal: Gen 6:22 – General Gen 17:12 – is born Gen 22:3 – General Gen 25:16 – twelve Gen 26:5 – General Exo 12:44 – circumcised Jos 5:3 – Joshua Rom 4:10 – not in circumcision
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
17:23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and {h} circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
(h) They were well taught if they obeyed and were circumcised without resistance. This teaches that masters in their houses ought to be as preachers to their families, that from the highest to the lowest they may obey the will of God.