Genesis 17: Group Study Handout

Overview

In Genesis chapter 17, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham, which means 'father of a multitude.' This chapter marks a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, as God not only promises to make Abraham exceedingly fruitful but also establishes the expectation of circumcision as a sign of this everlasting covenant. God also reveals that Abraham will be the father of many nations and that kings will come from him, emphasizing the significance of his lineage and the covenantal promise flowing through his descendants.

Key verse

“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your offspring after you.”

Genesis 17:7 (WEB)

Outline

1. Genesis 17:1–3 God Appears to Abram
2. Genesis 17:4–6 Covenant Promises to Abraham
3. Genesis 17:7–8 Everlasting Covenant and Land
4. Genesis 17:9–14 Covenant of Circumcision
5. Genesis 17:15–19 Name Changes and Promise of Isaac
6. Genesis 17:20–21 Blessings for Ishmael and Isaac
7. Genesis 17:22–27 Abraham's Obedience

Discussion questions

1. In v5, what does God change Abram's name to and why?
2. What act does God require in vv. 10-11 as a sign of the covenant?
3. In v17, why does Abraham laugh at the prospect of having a son at his age?
4. In v19, why does God specify that the covenant will be established with Isaac and not Ishmael?
5. How do you respond when God's promises seem unlikely, like Abraham did in v17?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 17: Genesis 21, Luke 1, Romans 4.

Before next time: read Genesis 18.