Genesis 17: God Likes You, But Not Your Foreskin

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Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision (v. 1-14)

God comes to Abram (and renames him Abraham) when he's 99 and tells him, once again, that he will make him the father of a multitude of nations, and that kings will come from him. He says that his offspring will control the land of Canaan forever. But him and any male in his line must be circumcised. This includes people born of his house or bought with their money from foreigners.

First, I'm tired of this promise from God. This is what, the fouth time it has been mentioned? God is promising them someone else's land, it's not cool. Also, this is clearly an endorsement of slavery.

Once again from Guzik, God talking to Abram must be Jesus.

Most of the commentaries completely ignored the issue of slavery, but John Calvin takes the position that this is a good turn for the slaves, they are being accepted into the house.

Isaac's Birth Promised (v. 15-27)

God promises that Abraham and Sarah (formerly Sarai, renamed by God for some reason) would have a son and they should name him Isaac. Abraham laughed because he's 100 and Sarah is 90, but God said it would happen anyway. Isaac would be part of the covenant, and even Ishmael would father 12 princes and he would be the head of a great nation. So Abraham gathered up all of the men in his house and circumcised everyone.

pic found here

I really hope Isaac is actually born tomorrow and we can move on. I'm tired of God promising Abra(ha)m a son and that he will own someone else's land. It's boring, its the same crap every day. Time to move on.

For the verses of note post:

--Justice--

Genesis 17:8 God promising Abram's kids Canaan, even though Canaanites already live there

"And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God."

--Slavery--

Genesis 17:12 God approves of slaves, as long as they are circumcised

"He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring"