Reading for May 22nd

 Read Genesis 17.1-14. In 17.1-27: Another covenant promise to Abraham and Sarah. God provides another version of the covenant promise, similar to the one made in Gen 15. For the first time, however, God clearly names both Abraham and Sarah as the parents of the promised child. The names of Abram and Sarai are changed to mark the importance of this new promise. God also introduces the ritual of circumcision as a physicals sign of belonging to the covenant people of God. In verse 1: Abram is 99 years old, which makes his son Ishmael 13 years old (16.16). In verse 5: God changes the name Abram (meaning "exalted ancestor) to Abraham (meaning "ancestor of a multitude") as a further guarantee that God will keep the promise of many descendants. In verses 7-8: God introduces a new element of assurance involving time. The covenant is everlasting, and Abraham's family will possess the land of Canaan as a perpetual holding. God also promises a continuing relationship: I will be their God. In verses 9-14: The ritual of circumcision involves cutting off the foreskin of the male penis. The ritual was practiced by neighboring cultures around Israel as well as by Israel itself. It continues to be practiced by Jews and Muslims today. Circumcision is a physical sign for males that they are members of the covenant people of God. The story in Ex 4.24-26 apparently alludes to the rite of circumcision, although the story is somewhat unclear. Comments or Questions..