Abraham’s Circumcision at 99 — Genesis 17 Daily Word

At 99, Abraham’s circumcision demonstrates radical faith in God’s promise. This act transcends human limitation, showing that God makes the impossible possible and fulfills His covenant regardless of circumstances.

Genesis 17:23-27 At the age of 99, Abraham receives circumcision in obedience to God’s word. This is an act of faith that transcends human limitation and trusts in God’s promise. Even in circumstances that appear impossible, our almighty God will surely bring His promises to fulfillment.

Abraham Circumcised at the Age of 99

1. [Scripture]

[23] Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. [24] Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. [25] And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. [26] That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. [27] And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him. (Gen 17:23-27, ESV)

2. [Daily Word]

# God is the One who makes the impossible possible.

What matters most is this: human beings have limitations and cannot think beyond their own abilities, but God is almighty — He is the One who makes the impossible possible. That is why He spoke to Abram, telling him that he would soon have a son and that he should name him Isaac. This was God’s promise of a son, Isaac, regardless of Abraham’s wavering faith. And God did not forget His blessing for Ishmael either.

That blessing is found in verse 20 — the promise that God would make Ishmael exceedingly fruitful and multiply him greatly, that he would father twelve princes, and that God would make him into a great nation. And so, just as the Word declared, God caused him to become great and powerful in this world. Yet they are not the people God has chosen. Therefore, when Jesus Christ comes, their strength and dominance will come to an end.

This is because the house of Ishmael is not called to serve in spiritual matters, but only in earthly, fleshly ones. The spiritual promise will be fulfilled through Isaac, whom God promised to give. And so, [21] But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” (Gen 17:21, ESV)

The Scripture then records that when God had finished speaking with Abraham, He went up and departed from him. Ultimately, this “going up” of God speaks of the worship of thanksgiving that Abraham offered in response to the promise God had given him. It is an expression of Abraham bowing down in reverence and adoration before the authority of God’s promise. Abraham then puts his faith into action in accordance with God’s Word — and when did he act? On that very same day God had spoken, he carried it out with every member of his household.

# The moment we can know that God is alive and at work is when we respond to His Word immediately.

When Jesus called His disciples, He said, [19] And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19, ESV) “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The disciples’ response in verse 20 was that they immediately left their nets and followed Him. And what happened as they followed Jesus? In verse 23, they witnessed with their own eyes Jesus proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

And when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and were filled with awe and astonishment, Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” And what happened next? Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water.

# When we pray, there are times we receive visions or hear the voice of God.

In those moments, when we quietly open our ears and wait for the word He desires to give us, God indeed speaks. We must remember that this is a grace He bestows upon us when we acknowledge Him as our King and Lord, and make the decision to submit in obedience before Him. Therefore, immediate obedience before God carries a meaning similar to that of “circumcision.” It is sacrificing what we have in proportion to how much we trust God — sacrificing our time, our material possessions, and our zeal and devotion by surrendering them to the Lord in obedience.

Today, Abraham also sacrifices everything he has in order to obey God. He had his son Ishmael and all who were born in his household circumcised, and he took every male among those bought with money — every man in Abraham’s household — and circumcised them. Thus, all who belonged to Abraham’s household received circumcision. The reason he included even his servants in this act was that Abraham’s obedience before God was this thorough and complete.

In particular, [29] But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Rom 2:29, ESV) records: “… circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” The reason Abraham circumcised his entire household together was to acknowledge that everything he had received from God, according to God’s will, belonged to God. In order to prove that all of them belonged to God, they received circumcision — putting off the old flesh and proclaiming that a new life in God had begun.

[22] to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24, ESV)

God desires that His children belong to Him. Remember especially that He longs for us not merely to belong to Him in body, but to be connected to Him in spirit — remaining His children forever. With that in mind, let us hope together to be a people set apart from the world today, and let us pray.

Abraham’s faith, the meaning of circumcision, God’s promise, the act of obedience, the decision of faith

Originally published in Korean at bible2u.com