June 9, 2024 The Covenant of Circumcision | Genesis 17

Today we reflect on Genesis 17, The Covenant of Circumcision. This covenant is made with Abraham where God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations. The Lord makes it clear that the child He has promised Abraham will come through Sarah, who will be the mother of the promised child, not Ishmael, who has just been born to the slave girl Hagar. God doesn’t forget Ishmael and promised to make him the father of 12 rulers; a counterpoint to the 12 tribes of Israel that will later come from Abraham through the children of his grandson Jacob’s children. Circumcision is the sign God chooses as a sign of fruitfulness and trust.