Chapter Summary

The revelation of God. Abram's name changed. Covenant confirmed. Circumcision established. Promise of Isaac.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 17

1. God renews His covenant with Abram at the beginning of Genesis 17. In verse 5, God changes his name from Abram, meaning exalted father, to Abraham, father of a multitude. Abraham's culture places such an emphasis on having male heirs, how is this a positive change in Abraham's life? Which name would you rather have, exalted father or father of a multitude? Why?
2. At the age of 99, God tells Abraham that he and every male in his household needs to be circumcised or he would be cut off from God's promise. Abraham complies and he and his entire household is circumcised. What would you have done if you were Abraham? Romans 2:25-29 describes a circumcision of the heart similar to the circumcision of Abraham as a symbol of the covenant between God and a believer. How does the circumcision of the heart look in the life of a believer?
3. God changes Sarai's name to Sarah and promises a son to her from Abraham in Genesis 17:15-16. Why doesn't God give this clear prophecy before when He promises to make Abraham a father of nations the first time? How does this event communicate what we should rely upon more in our life, our reason or our faith? How should these work together in our life?
4. Genesis 17:17 describes Abraham falling down in laughter and wondering how this prophecy will come true since he is 100 years old and Sarah is 90. How does this show Abraham's fear and respect of God? Why doesn't God remove his blessing and covenant from Abraham at this moment since Abraham doesn't demonstrate in faith in God at this time?
5. Why doesn't God accept Abraham's plea that Ishmael live before God in Gen 17:18? What does this say about God's acceptance of man's plan, especially how God pronounces a blessing upon Ishmael later in the chapter?
6. God emphasizes His covenant with Abraham will come through a son by Sarah. Abraham laughs at the prophecy because of his age. God tells Abraham to call the son Isaac, meaning he laughs. What does this name reveal about God's character? We have been told many times not to question God but what does God's name choice reveal about His attitude toward our questions about the events in our life?
7. How does the events in Genesis chapter 17 affect your view of God's sovereignty in your personal life?
8. So many decisions that Sarah and Abraham make in Genesis 16-17 affect our lives to this day. How should their lives and decisions affect our perspective when making the decisions in our personal lives?
9. If you are a hired servant of Abraham in Genesis 17, would you agree to the circumcision? It is mentioned in Genesis 17:14 that if a male is not circumcised, they were to be cut off from the people. How would this affect your decision?
10. Abraham and the men in his household are being commanded to make a physical act of obedience in Genesis 17. Which is harder, a physical act of obedience or a spiritual/emotional act of obedience? Why?

Key Words/Phrase

Covenant, v. 2.

Characters

God, Abram, Isaac, Sarah, Ishmael.

Strong Verse(s)

1,2,19.