When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. When his son IsaacThe name "Isaac" means "he laughs" in Hebrew, reflecting the joy and surprise of his parents, Abraham and Sarah, at his birth in their old age. Isaac's birth is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, marking a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant. The name itself is a testament to God's faithfulness and the joy that comes from His promises being fulfilled. was eight days old
The specification of "eight days" is significant in the Hebrew tradition. The number eight often symbolizes new beginnings and covenantal relationships in the Bible. The practice of circumcision on the eighth day is a divine ordinance given to Abraham in Genesis 17:12, signifying the child's entry into the covenant community. Scientifically, it is also noted that the eighth day is optimal for circumcision due to the natural peak in vitamin K levels, which aids in blood clotting. Abraham circumcised him
Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. Abraham's obedience in circumcising Isaac demonstrates his faith and commitment to God's commands. This act is a profound expression of trust and submission to God's will, setting a precedent for future generations. It is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions as a sign of faith. as God had commanded him
This phrase underscores the importance of divine command and human obedience in the biblical narrative. God's command to Abraham regarding circumcision is found in Genesis 17:10-14, where it is established as an everlasting covenant. Abraham's compliance with God's command reflects his deep faith and reverence for God. It serves as an example of the blessings that follow obedience to God's word, reinforcing the theme of covenantal faithfulness throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. He is a model of faith and obedience, as seen in his adherence to God's command to circumcise his son. 2. IsaacThe promised son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was a fulfillment of God's promise. His circumcision signifies his inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham. 3. CircumcisionA physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, instituted in Genesis 17. It represents obedience and dedication to God. 4. God's CommandThe directive given by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-12, establishing circumcision as a sign of the covenant. 5. Eight Days OldThe specific age at which circumcision was to be performed, as commanded by God, signifying the importance of early dedication to God's covenant. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsAbraham's immediate obedience to God's command to circumcise Isaac demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions without delay. Believers are called to trust and obey God's Word, even when the reasons are not fully understood. Significance of CovenantsCircumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Today, believers are part of the New Covenant through faith in Christ, which calls for a heart transformation rather than a physical sign. Early Dedication to GodThe circumcision of Isaac at eight days old highlights the importance of dedicating children to God from an early age. Christian parents are encouraged to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Faith and RighteousnessAbraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before the act of circumcision. This teaches that righteousness comes through faith, not merely through external rituals or works. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's obedience in circumcising Isaac reflect his faith in God's promises? 2. In what ways does the practice of circumcision in the Old Testament foreshadow the spiritual transformation described in the New Testament? 3. How can Christian parents today apply the principle of early dedication to God in their children's lives? 4. What does the concept of a covenant mean in the context of your personal relationship with God? 5. How can believers today demonstrate their faith and obedience to God in practical ways, similar to Abraham's example? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:10-12This passage details God's command to Abraham regarding circumcision as a sign of the covenant, providing the background for Genesis 21:4. Leviticus 12:3Reinforces the command that circumcision should occur on the eighth day, showing continuity in the practice among the Israelites. Romans 4:11Paul discusses circumcision as a sign of the righteousness that Abraham had by faith, connecting the physical act to spiritual significance. Colossians 2:11-12Paul speaks of a spiritual circumcision in Christ, drawing a parallel between the physical act and the spiritual transformation in believers. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Circumcised, Circumciseth, Circumcision, Commanded, Eight, Isaac, UndergoDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:4 1653 numbers, 6-10
8404 commands, in OT Genesis 21:1-5 5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:1-7 5076 Abraham, life of
5733 pregnancy Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:4 NIVGenesis 21:4 NLTGenesis 21:4 ESVGenesis 21:4 NASBGenesis 21:4 KJV
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