May 3, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 17 – God’s Covenant with Abraham: A Sign of Promise

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 Bible Text – Genesis 17 (KJV)

1 When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless.
2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,
4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.
7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.
8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
9 And God said to Abraham, “You shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.
10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;
11 and you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.
12 He who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.
13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
15 Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
16 I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”
17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear?”
18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”
19 And God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; he shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.”
22 Then He went away from Him, and God went up from Abraham.
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins in that very day, as God had said to him.
24 And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
25 He and Ishmael his son were circumcised in the flesh of their foreskins in the selfsame day;
26 and all the men of his house, born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

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Introduction

In Genesis 17 we witness a pivotal moment in Abraham’s story: God renews and deepens His covenant with him. This chapter overflows with identity changes—made tangible by new names, concrete promises, and the covenant sign of circumcision. The overarching message: God remains faithful, even when circumstances seem humanly impossible.

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Commentary

1. God’s Self-Revelation (vv. 1–2)

   • “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.”

   • A call to unwavering loyalty and spiritual integrity.

   • This covenant is unmerited grace, not a contractual bargain.

2. Abram’s Name Change (vv. 3–6)

   • Abram (“exalted father”) becomes Abraham (“father of many nations”).

   • The new name embodies the promise’s fulfillment.

3. An Everlasting Covenant (vv. 7–8)

   • God promises the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants forever.

   • This land grant underlines the covenant’s permanence.

4. The Sign of the Covenant: Circumcision (vv. 9–14)

   • An outward mark representing inward belonging.

   • Faith and obedience are inseparable in God’s covenant.

5. Sarai Becomes Sarah (vv. 15–16)

   • Sarai (“my princess”) is renamed Sarah (“princess of nations”).

   • Despite her age, she too is called to bear the promise.

6. Isaac Promised; Ishmael Blessed (vv. 17–21)

   • Isaac is designated as the covenant heir.

   • Ishmael also receives blessing—but is not the covenant carrier.

7. Abraham’s Immediate Obedience (vv. 22–27)

   • Abraham circumcises himself and every male in his household that very day.

   • True faith translates into prompt action.

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Summary

God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham through an everlasting sign—circumcision. New names signify new destinies. Isaac is promised as the covenant child, and Abraham responds in instant obedience, demonstrating that genuine faith manifests itself in faithful deeds.

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Message for Today

• God changes our names and destinies.

• It is never too late for God’s timing—He keeps His promises.

• Faith is shown in action, not mere belief.

• The covenant lives on in the heart, not in external rites alone (cf. Romans 2:29).

“I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.” – Genesis 17:1

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

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Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

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Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

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Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/3-05-2025-genesis-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/