A STUDY IN GENESIS
As we continue to go through the book of Genesis, especially in chapter 17, we need to remember that this is the book of beginnings. This book is all about God starting something with man to rescue man from himself. God provides symbols and ways for mankind to remember these promises of God’s intentions to rescue mankind. Keep this foundational truth in mind as we continue through chapter 17.
Genesis 17:9-27 is our scripture reading. Here we see a discussion with God and Abraham. The subject is the symbolic act that would represent a covenant made by God to Abraham. This covenant is spelled out in the previous post, which I would encourage you to go and read. However, I want to highlight a few things. Examine verses 12-13. “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, 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.” It is the eighth day that this is to happen. We can examine the medical practices and why the eighth day is so special for circumcision, but I want to identify the number eight. This number in Judaism signifies the number of the Messiah. This was a symbol of who was going to come and what He was going to do. He would make a person clean and make them be at peace with God. We know that God took it seriously because verse 14 highlights this very thing, “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.” Spiritually speaking, man cannot be pure on his own, but needs God to rescue him. God was making a promise through Isaac.
Finally, I want to further develop what was going to happen between Isaac and Ishmael. Both are children of Abraham; however, only one would be the promise for the world. Only one had the right to the promised land. The people of Ishmael are blessed by God, and through history, we have seen time and time again this blessing.
Now what does this mean for you and I? It means three things. God took His covenant with Abraham seriously. The Old and New Testaments are declarations that God is using Israel as the symbol and the instrument for mankind. The Church is not part of Israel. Those who think this are sadly mistaken. Israel’s land is God’s land, and He has given it to Israel. Ishmael was blessed, and his descendants are assigned their own blessings. As Christians, we have our own blessings that we need to consider and examine.
As we continue, do not forget this moment. Many political, religious, and social issues stem from a lack of understanding of this simple covenant that God is taking very seriously.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL