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Marking a covenant between God and man
Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael, Hagar’s son, was born. And 13 years later, God appeared to Abram again and spoke to him.
For the past 13 years, Abram has had no word, no direct communication, and no message of any kind from God. This time, God spoke to Abram and confirmed his covenant to expand God’s family. In addition, this encounter included worship, a confirmed covenant, a name change for Abram, and a further unfolding of a promised family.
The name God used for himself in this exchange with Abram was El Shaddai. The Septuagint translates the meaning of this name as “God Almighty;” however, more recent translations suggest that this name could also mean “God all-knowing.” Perhaps Abram needed to know God knows everything there is to know about his circumstances.
For the first time, God requires Abram to fulfill the covenant, marking a true partnership between God and man. The covenant included numerous descendants, a permanent relationship of Abram’s descendants to God as God’s own people, and all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession.
Abram’s part of the covenant includes “walking before me” and “being blameless.” To commemorate the covenant, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “the father of many nations.”
Sarai’s name was also changed. From now on, she would be named Sarah, the mother of nations. God initiated the covenant with Abraham, maintains it, and will bring it to fulfillment.
On three occasions, God says the covenant has an eternal timeline. Even so, Abraham, after hearing Sarah would bear him a son at 90 years old and name him Isaac, still struggled to believe what he was hearing. At that moment, Abraham asked God to allow Ishmael to live under God’s blessing. God agreed but quickly turned Abraham’s attention to the promised son, Isaac.
Abraham and Sarah found great joy in their future, even at their age.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does the family of Abraham and Sarah resemble modern-day families?
- What does this story tell you about families you know – next door, at work, at church, and in the community?
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About this Plan
Learn from families throughout the Bible, such as the first family with Adam and Eve, Jesus' family, and even the family Timothy was raised in. While families may struggle, God's design for humanity was in the family. Read for practical principles you can apply to your family today.
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