Reading for February 20th

Read Genesis 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 physical 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.
In verses 15-16 God changes Sarai's name to Sarah to indicate that she is now
clearly part of the promise.
She will be the mother of the long expected child and of future kings.
In verses 17-22 Abraham laughs at the thought that he and Sarah will have a child
at their ages of 100 and 90 years old.
Abraham pleads with God to keep Ishmael, who is now 13 years old,
as the promised son rather than wait for yet another son (v. 18).
But God insists that Sarah will have another son whose name will be Isaac, which means "he laughs."
The theme of laughter and Isaac will come up again (18.12-15; 21.5-6).
God also responds to Abraham's concern for Ishmael.
God promises to bless him, make him exceedingly numerous, and a great nation.
These are the same promises that Abraham originally received (12.1-3)
and that now extend to Isaac as the child of promise.
Comments or Questions...