And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine,…. See
Ge 17:1. This circumstance of his age is observed the more to commend his faith and obedience, that though he was an old man, he did not consider his age, or make that an objection; that he was unable to bear the pain, or it would be shameful for a man of his years to be uncovered before his servants:
when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin; who circumcised him is not said, very probably Eliezer his head servant: the Jews, who affect to know everything, say u, that he sent for Shem, the son of Noah, who circumcised him and his son Ishmael; but it is most likely that Ishmael was circumcised by Abraham himself, as seems from
Ge 17:23; and Abraham might circumcise himself, as Ben Melech thinks.
u Pirke Eliezer, c. 29.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
‘And Abraham was ninety nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, and Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised and Ishmael his son, and all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with wealth from the stranger, were circumcised with him.’
Ishmael is mentioned separately as one named in the covenant. His age shows that he is at the beginning of manhood and thus old enough to participate in a covenant meaningfully. So ends another covenant record. But this time a covenant including Ishmael and offered to a number of nations. It is significant that the circumcision of the final one of the trio, Isaac, is also recorded. It is found in Gen 21:4, the only other mention in Genesis of an individual’s circumcision.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
REFLECTIONS
My Christian Brother! Are you included in this blessed Covenant? Have you the marks and characters of it? Can you say as Paul did, We are the true circumcision, which worship God in spirit; rejoice in Christ Jesus; and have no confidence in the flesh. Pause over the question! And oh! that a gracious God may grant you an answer of peace. If this be your portion, then need you nothing more to make you happy. For God saith to you as to the Patriarch; I will give you the land wherein you are a stranger. And where is that, but heaven? Dearest Jesus! hast thou not taken possession of it in the name of thy people? and hast thou not promised, that thou wilt come again and receive them to thyself, that where thou art, there they shall be also.
Poor timorous, doubting Believer! Did God say to Abraham that he would bless him, and in confirmation of it, reveal himself by this glorious name-the Almighty God; beg of him then for grace to convert this promise into a prayer: and plead, that the same God may be to thee and thine, the God all-sufficient. And oh! that every gracious soul may find grace us the Patriarch did, to intreat God for the Ishmael’s of his household, the unawakened and careless around him. And may the Lord’s answer be as gracious. I have heard thee.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 17:24 And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Ver. 24. And Abraham was ninety years old and nine. ] Five different times is Abraham’s age exactly noted in Scripture; which showeth how dear the saints are to God; when the wicked are, , little set by; men of no account.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 17:1, Gen 17:17, Gen 12:4, Rom 4:11, Rom 4:19, Rom 4:20
Reciprocal: Gen 18:11 – old Mat 19:14 – Suffer Act 10:47 – General