GENESIS 17:1, 2 - TheCypressTimes

a. Edersheim: The expression, “I will make my covenant” in Genesis 17:2 is quite different from that rendered by the same words in Genesis 15:18, “The LORD made a covenant with Abram.” In the latter case it is “to make” (KJ-made), literally, to “cut a covenant”; while the terms in Genesis 17:2 are, “I will give my covenant” i.e., establish, fulfill it.

1). make (5414 * nathan) (This is the 1978 Edition of Strong’s) to give, bring forth, cause, commit, do, charge.

2). covenant (1285 * beriyth) a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh): confederacy, covenant, league; to covenant, to make an alliance, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces.

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

1. “And Abram fell on his face…”

a. It is understandable why Abram fell on his face; it had been over 13 years since God had spoken to him. At the very beginning of that span of time came the horrible decision of sleeping with Hagar and Ishmael being the result. Then he had 13 years of strife between Sarai and Hagar that continued two or more years until Hagar and Ishmael were forced to leave. There is no doubt that Abram loved Ishmael, we know that from Genesis 17:18; but also during that 13 years Abram I’m sure he regretted over and over the mistake with Hagar. I’m also sure he longed to hear and see El Shaddai. When it finally happened I believe he was overcome with fear, joy and humility.

b. Abraham fell on his face twice during this encounter, the first was in verse 3, and the other was in verse 17. The reason for this is Abraham had to get up the first time in order for the LORD to explain Abraham and his seed’s part in entering and keeping the Covenant, i.e., circumcision: Genesis 17:9-14. Very soon after that Abraham fell on his face again.