Genesis 17:1-2 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me… I. DIVINE VISITATION. 1. To reward long trial and patience. 2. To reveal the Divine purpose more clearly. II. ENLARGEMENT AND EXALTATION OF THE IDEA OF DUTY. The more we know of God, the more exalted and noble our conception of the duty we owe to Him. Our sense of the holiness of His law increases. 1. We have a clearer idea of the standard of duty. "Walk before Me." The moral character of God is proposed for our imitation. 2. We see what is the true evidence of duty. "Be thou perfect." Perfect obedience — completeness of spiritual character — respect unto all God's commandments these are the evidences that our duty has been rendered acceptably. The constant aim after perfection is a proof that our piety is real and sincere. 3. We have the Divine encouragements of duty. "I am the Almighty God." As we have infinite goodness to furnish us with an idea and an example, so we have infinite power to support us and to give us the necessary strength. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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