Genesis 17-21

In today’s reading, the LORD changes Abram’s name to Abraham, and Sarai’s to Sarah, declaring His covenant with him to make him the father of many nations, to give him a son by his own wife, a nation by his son, and a land for that nation to dwell in. The LORD also institutes the sign of circumcision for males of Abraham’s house, as the sign of His covenant. Three mysterious visitors come to Abraham and discuss the promise of a son, then ultimately reveal the LORD’s decision to destroy the cities of the plain of Jordan for their extraordinary wickedness. Abraham pleads for any righteous within the city of Sodom, and Lot is spared with his immediate family by angels sent to remove them. Lot flees, shelters at Zoar, then dwells in a cave of the mountains with his two widowed daughters after the death of his wife. Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, and Hagar is cast out with her son Ishmael, yet not forsaken of God. Later, Abraham enters into a covenant with Abimelech in Gerar. Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission