Genesis 17:1

ΒΆ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

And when Abram {H87} was ninety {H8673}{H8141} years {H8141} old {H1121} and nine {H8672}, the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} to Abram {H87}, and said {H559} unto him, I am the Almighty {H7706} God {H410}; walk {H1980} before me {H6440}, and be thou perfect {H8549}.

When Avram was 99 years old ADONAI appeared to Avram and said to him, "I am El Shaddai [God Almighty]. Walk in my presence and be pure-hearted.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, β€œI am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 17:1 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Abram and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Thirteen years have passed since the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:16), a period of silence from God following Abram's attempt to fulfill God's promise through human means. At ninety-nine years old, Abram is well past the age of natural procreation, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention. This appearance of the LORD initiates a significant renewal and expansion of the covenant, leading directly to the promise of Isaac's birth and the institution of circumcision as a sign of the covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Faithfulness: After a long silence, God Himself appears to Abram, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when human efforts have fallen short. This appearance reaffirms the promises first given in Genesis chapter 12.
  • God's Self-Revelation as Almighty: The introduction of God as "the Almighty God" (El Shaddai) is crucial. It emphasizes His supreme power and ability to accomplish what seems impossible from a human perspective, particularly concerning the promise of an heir through Sarah.
  • Call to Holy Living: The command to "walk before me, and be thou perfect" is a foundational call to a life of integrity, obedience, and wholehearted devotion in God's presence. It signifies a life lived in conscious awareness of God's sovereignty and holiness.
  • Covenant Renewal and Expansion: This verse sets the stage for the formal establishment of the Abrahamic covenant, which includes not only the promise of countless descendants and land but also a deeper spiritual relationship and the mark of circumcision.

Linguistic Insights

  • "the LORD" (YHWH): The Hebrew name for God here is YHWH (often rendered LORD in KJV), signifying God's personal, covenantal name, highlighting His faithfulness to His promises and His relationship with His people.
  • "the Almighty God" (El Shaddai): This powerful Hebrew compound name, El Shaddai, is revealed for the first time in Scripture. El means "God," and Shaddai is often translated as "Almighty," "All-Sufficient," or "the One of the mountains" (implying strength and permanence). It conveys God's boundless power, His ability to nourish and sustain, and His absolute sufficiency to fulfill His promises, especially those that defy human limitations.
  • "perfect" (tamim): The Hebrew word tamim (ΧͺΦΈΦΌΧžΦ΄Χ™Χ) does not imply sinless perfection in the modern sense. Instead, it conveys concepts of being "blameless," "whole," "complete," "sound," or "sincere." It speaks of integrity of character, devotion, and wholeness in one's commitment to God. It's a call to live a life without hypocrisy, fully dedicated to God, similar to the call in Deuteronomy 18:13.

Practical Application

Genesis 17:1 offers timeless truths for believers today:

  • God's Timing is Perfect: Even after periods of apparent silence or when our own efforts fail, God remains faithful and acts in His perfect timing to fulfill His purposes.
  • Trust in God's Omnipotence: When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we are reminded that our God is El Shaddai, the Almighty and All-Sufficient One, capable of doing far more than we can ask or imagine.
  • Call to Integrity and Devotion: The command to "walk before me, and be thou perfect" remains a profound call to live a life of integrity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion to God. It encourages us to live consciously in His presence, striving for blamelessness in our conduct and motives.
  • Relationship Over Performance: While obedience is commanded, the emphasis is on a sincere, wholehearted relationship with God, from which true obedience flows.
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Cross-References

  • Philippians 4:13 (40 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Ephesians 3:20 (36 votes)

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

  • Genesis 6:9 (22 votes)

    These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

  • Luke 1:6 (21 votes)

    And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

  • Psalms 116:9 (19 votes)

    I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Genesis 18:14 (18 votes)

    Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

  • Isaiah 38:3 (18 votes)

    And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.