Genesis 17: Abraham's Big Promise: A Covenant with God

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

by Chinwenmeri Ikechi

An old man kneels, bathed in divine light, listening to a voice from the heavens as his wife looks on.

When Abram was 99 years old, God appeared to him and spoke. God told Abram to live a holy life and obey Him. God made a special promise called a covenant. A covenant is like an agreement or promise between God and His people. God promised to be Abraham’s God and to give him many descendants, so many that they could not be counted.

God also said that Abraham would be the father of nations and kings. Abraham would have a special son through whom God’s plan for blessing the world would continue. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations,” to show this promise. Sarai, Abraham’s wife, also received a new name: Sarah, which means “princess.” God promised that she would have a son, even though she was very old.

Abraham, elderly, circumcises himself and his son Ishmael, fulfilling God's covenant.

God also gave Abraham a special command called circumcision. Every male in Abraham’s family, including servants and descendants, was to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant. This was a way to show that Abraham and his family belonged to God and were part of His plan.

Abraham obeyed God immediately, even though he was very old. He circumcised himself, his son Ishmael, and all the men in his household. This shows that Abraham trusted God and was willing to follow His instructions.

A man kneels, gazing upward in faith as a divine light shines upon him, symbolizing obedience and God's promise.

Genesis 17 teaches us to obey God, trust His promises, and remember that God has a special plan for those who belong to Him. God always keeps His word.

Discussion Questions

1 How old was Abram when God spoke to him in Genesis 17?

Abram was 99 years old when God spoke to him.

2 What special promise did God make to Abraham?

God promised to be Abraham’s God and to give him many descendants, so many that they could not be counted. God also promised that Abraham would be the father of nations and kings and that he would have a special son through whom God’s plan for blessing the world would continue.

3 What does the name Abraham mean?

Abraham means “father of many nations.”

4 What new name did God give to Sarai?

God gave Sarai the new name Sarah.

5 What does the name Sarah mean?

Sarah means “princess.”

6 What special command did God give Abraham and his family?

God gave Abraham and his family the special command of circumcision. Every male in Abraham’s family, including servants and descendants, was to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant.

7 Why was circumcision important?

Circumcision was important because it was a way to show that Abraham and his family belonged to God and were part of His plan. It was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants.

8 Did Abraham obey God immediately?

Yes, Abraham obeyed God immediately, even though he was very old.

9 Who did Abraham circumcise in his household?

Abraham circumcised himself, his son Ishmael, and all the men in his household.

10 What lesson does Genesis 17 teach us?

Genesis 17 teaches us to obey God, trust His promises, and remember that God has a special plan for those who belong to Him. It also teaches us that God always keeps His word.