Genesis 17:3-8 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,… Already Jehovah, the Covenant God, had appeared thrice to Abram. 1. Simply to assure him that he should be blessed, and become a blessing (Genesis 12:7). 2. To give him the promise of a numerous progeny, as the dust of the earth for multitude (Genesis 13:16). 3. To repeat this assurance, but now likening the number of his seed to the stars of heaven (Genesis 15:5). This third vision was confirmed by a solemn sacrifice. In it God stands clearly out as the contracting party, conveying certain blessings to Abram, and requiring the performance of no distinct conditions on His part. Now the covenant has moved forwards another stage, and Abram is to take his own part in it by receiving the appointed sign — "the sign and seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised" (Romans 4:11). This second stage of the covenant was marked — I. BY MORE DEFINITE AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL PROMISES. This law of progressive revelation has an illustration in the case of Abram. The original promise is renewed, but spread more out into details. Consider these promised blessings — 1. In their natural greatness. Though they have a higher meaning and importance, yet there are aspects of them which belong entirely to this present world. 2. In their spiritual significance. Their ultimate reference is above and beyond the things of time and sense. The sands on the sea shore, and the multitude of the stars, speak to us Christians of the number and extent of the true Church of God. II. BY A CHANCED NAME. Abram had reached a new stage in his history, and this is indicated by a new name. With God, names are not empty designations, but represent the truth of things. To Abraham it was as a new life to find the promises growing more clear, the gifts of God's goodness more palpable and evident. III. BY SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT ON THE PART OF GOD. God is the fountain of the blessing, and the sole proposer of the terms. His covenant is the only foundation of all our hope. We can look for nothing but what is thus assured to us. To believers in covenant, God conveys the riches which are in Christ. They are bound to a life of faith and love, and He engages Himself to impart His fulness, 1. This should excite our gratitude. 2. It should stimulate our faith. 3. It should excite our reverence. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, |
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