(a) Describe the main features of the covenant between God and Abraham in Canaan. (b) What two lessons do we learn from the event?

Answer Details

(a) The main features of the covenant between God and Abraham in Canaan (Genesis 17)

• When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
• God promised to make His covenant with Abram and multiply him greatly, making him the father of a multitude of nations.
• God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning father of many nations, and later changed Sarai to Sarah.
• God declared the covenant to be everlasting, to be established with Abraham and his descendants after him throughout their generations, promising, I will be their God.
• God promised to give to Abraham and his offspring the whole land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.
• God required Abraham and every male among his household to be circumcised as the sign of the covenant. Every male was to be circumcised at eight days old; the uncircumcised would be cut off as one who had broken the covenant.
• God promised that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, with whom the covenant would be established, though God would also bless Ishmael and make him a great nation.

(b) Two lessons from the event

1. God is faithful to His promises. He binds Himself by covenant and fulfils His word even when it seems humanly impossible, as with the promise of a son to aged parents.
2. Covenant relationship demands obedience and holiness. God required Abraham to walk blamelessly and to keep the sign of circumcision, showing that fellowship with God carries obligations.