Genesis 16-17
Dear RTB’ers,
Early on I suggested that I try to get my e-mail posts out by 8:00 AM, or 9:00 AM at the latest. Obviously I have not held myself firmly to that schedule, but I do try to post early. Today, however, the newborn child across the driveway created my delay. So, you early risers, I hope you’ve already read our two chapters and reflected on God’s work with His people!
A few words here and there can help our understanding. At the beginning of 17:4, the NASB has three words (God speaking), “As for Me…”. [NOTE: The ESV has “Behold…”.] Then at the beginning of 17:9, God says, “As for you…”; at the beginning of 17:15, He says “As for Sarai…”; and at the beginning of 17:20, He says, “As for Ishmael…”. These few words structure chapter 17 for us. “As for me…” covers God’s covenant commitment to Abraham and his offspring in Gen. 17:4-8. Then “As for you…” introduces Abraham’s part of this covenant relationship through circumcision (Gen. 17:9-14, 23-27). “As for Sarai…” introduces the promise of Isaac’s birth (Gen. 17:15-19), and “As for Ishmael…” gives us God’s plan for Ishmael (Gen. 17:20-21).
There are a couple of items in today’s reading that will come up a number of times in our readings over the next few years. The first is the “angel of the LORD” appearing to Hagar (Gen. 16:7-13). Scholars debate who this “angel” is. Most simply say that this angel is indeed a heavenly angel come to earth as God’s messenger, delivering God’s words. Others argue that this angel is Jesus “pre-incarnate” coming to earth and foreshadowing His own incarnation thousands of years later. I like the “heavenly angel come to earth” argument, but I’m no theologian!
The second item is circumcision. That’ll stay with us throughout the Old Testament. See especially the incident told in Genesis 34. Then circumcision becomes a major New Testament issue – did believing Gentiles need to be circumcised? We’ll deal with that item when we read Acts.
Blessings!
Sarah’s act of giving Hagar to Abraham hits me. So many times have I sought out God, asked for something, and later come up with my own plan rather than waiting on God. Waiting on God is hard. I want action. I want to see God working but on my timeline. I am slowly learning that the waiting is an important part of the process. I need to let go and wait on God, fully believing that He is in control, not me. I may not understand the why, but I trust the Who.