Genesis 17:1–8, 15–22

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

A NEW NAME

Genesis 17:1–8, 15–22

God’s Promise Renewed (1–8)

When Abram was 99 years old God appeared to him and declared himself to be “El Shaddai,” God Almighty. This is the first use of this divine designation in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. The name “El Shaddai” signifies God’s power and sovereignty. God Almighty is a good translation because it describes the God who makes things happen by means of His majestic power and might. In this context God was saying there is no need for Abram to give up on His promise to make him the father of a multitude because of his old age. 

Christians, the same is true for us. The way we live is determined by what we think of God. If our God is “El Shaddai,” then we ought to trust Him to fulfill all of His promises to us. 

When God established an eternal covenant with Abram, He changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Abram’s name meant “exalted Father” and referred not to the patriarch but to God as exalted Father. But when God changed Abram’s name to Abraham it referred to the man himself as a “father of a multitude.” 

Abraham’s new name was matched by another revelation: “Kings shall come from you” (v. 6b). This promise was beyond Abraham’s dreams, but 1,000 years later the founding of a line of kings in the Davidic dynasty began the fulfillment of this promise which was ultimately fulfilled in another 1,000 years at the birth of Jesus Christ.

Abraham Offered an Alternative (15–18)

God also gave Sarai a new name — Sarah. Both Sarai and Sarah mean “princess.” It was God’s plan all along that she would be a princess because princesses have kings. Not only would Sarah bear a child in her old age, but the sacred, royal dynasty would have her blood in its veins and ultimately the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

God had revealed His new name, Abraham had a new name, the sign of the covenant (circumcision) had been commanded and Sarah had her new name. How did Abraham respond? He laughed. 

He initially fell to the ground in the prostrate posture of deepest respect, but as he lay in reverence he thought about his situation and their ages and he laughed. Then Abraham suggested Ishmael’s name to God.

Was Abraham doubting God? Evidently not because God did not voice disapproval of His laughter. In contrast, in the next episode when Sarah laughed at the same promise, God rebuked her (18:13). Her laughter reflected her ongoing lack of belief in the promise that she would bear a son, despite what God had said to Abraham. The absence of correction for Abraham implied not that he lacked faith but rather that his faith was limited. Abraham was like the father in Mark 9:24 who told Jesus: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

God’s Power Declared (19–22)

God had announced His name as “El Shaddai,” the almighty, omnipotent, sovereign God who can do anything. Abram became Abraham, “father of a multitude.” Sarai became Sarah, “the princess.” Together they would birth a royal dynasty of kings. Their yet-to-be-conceived son was named Isaac (“laughter”), a sweet symbol of faith’s struggle.

God is capable of delivering on all of His promises. Our impatience can lead us to substitute our imperfect plans for God’s perfect plan. Like Abraham we need to trust God for more than our eyes can see. Abraham believed God and by grace we need to do so as well.