A Study of the Scriptures: All the Stories in the Bible.

[Jason0047]

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly."

God had already made an internal spiritual Covenant with Abram. This Covenant that God is about to make with Abram is an external Covenant or mark of the internal Covenant. As a mark of this external Covenant that reflects the internal Covenant, God repeats the promises of the original Covenant.

And Abram fell on his face:

Abram did not accidentally trip and fall on his face (obviously). But Abram's spirit was broken and humble before God as he gave reverence and proper respect to the Lord by bowing before Him. How many Christians today (who are not handicapped and or do not have knee problems) bow before Him today?

and God talked with him, saying,
"As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Whenever God repeats his promises to us, it is a good idea that we stop and really listen to Him. Abram had a little trouble in listening to God because He decided to have a child by means of trusting in the flesh and not in trusting in God.

 

[Jason0047]

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

The name "Abram" means "exalted father", which no doubt was an embarrassment to Abram because he had reached an old age with only one child outside of his first and true marriage. God changed his name to "Abraham" which means "father of many." In other words, this change in Abram's name was to let Abram know that God was not only reinforcing God's Promise to Abram in the fact that he would have a son thru Sarai, but by the fact he would also be the father of many nations, too. In addition, it is interesting to point out that not only was this Abram's fifth encounter with God, but also the fifth Hebrew letter "Hay" (i.e. the English letter "h") was added to Abram's name (to appear as "Abraham"). For thru out the Scriptures, the number 5 has appeared in association with "grace""; And seeing Scripture is clear that God is the source of our grace or salvation (1 John 5:12) (John 6:35) (Isaiah 43:11), it makes sense that Abram's change in name to Abraham was symbolic of the fact that God (Who is our grace and salvation) was being added to Abram.

 

[Jason0047]

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."

"The land wherein thou art a stranger"

Abraham could be called a Hebrew pilgrim in a strange land just as Christians today could be called pilgrims (who are of the seed of Abraham) who are in a strange land. For this is not our home. We are just passing thru and are servants of God. The same was true for Abraham. For God was teaching Abraham to walk by faith (sight unseen) in future unseen promises (Where the Lord was going to continue to be his God in the receiving of those Promises).

 

[Dan_473]

The name "Abram" means "exalted father", which no doubt was an embarrassment to Abram because he had reached an old age with only one child outside of his first and true marriage. God changed his name to "Abraham" which means "father of many." In other words, this change in Abram's name was to let Abram know that God was not only reinforcing God's Promise to Abram in the fact that he would have a son thru Sarai, but by the fact he would also be the father of many nations, too. In addition, it is interesting to point out that not only was this Abram's fifth encounter with God, but also the fifth Hebrew letter "Hay" (i.e. the English letter "h") was added to Abram's name (to appear as "Abraham"). For thru out the Scriptures, the number 5 has appeared in association with "grace""; And seeing Scripture is clear that God is the source of our grace or salvation (1 John 5:12) (John 6:35) (Isaiah 43:11), it makes sense that Abram's change in name to Abraham was symbolic of the fact that God (Who is our grace and salvation) was being added to Abram.

(assuming there wasn't a typo in your post)
God was being added to Abram ? Wow, that's quite a claim, imo.

 

[Jason0047]

(assuming there wasn't a typo in your post)
God was being added to Abram ? Wow, that's quite a claim, imo.

It was symbolic as baptism is symbolic of Christ's death and resurrection. A true Christian has already applied the Lord's death and resurrection to their life spiritually and has Christ (God) living within them before they are baptized. Baptism is an outward sign or mark of what went on inside them. Abram's name change was then followed by circumcision. These things were outward signs or symbols of what God did inwardly with Abram. So the change in Abram's name was an outward (not an inward) mark of how God was being added to Abram's life.

Anyways, if you disagree, please start another thread, my friend. I am trying to keep this as a Study Thread and not a Debate Thread. Thank you.

 

[Jason0047]

And God said unto Abraham,
"Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

"and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you."

Circumcision was a token, mark, or symbol of the inner covenant that was made between God and Abraham. A cutting into the flesh that was to be done to all generations of Abraham's offspring (Who were to be a Holy and peculiar people who were circumcised spiritually in heart).

Here is part of an article that is really great in summing up the heart (or core meaning) of circumcision.

God's covenant extends further than just the physical realm. A way has been provided in which our words and actions can show the nations God has touched us. We read His promise in Deuteronomy 30:6:

"Moreover, the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live."


​

This type of circumcision, by definition a circumcision of the spirit and not the flesh, goes to the heart of a man, to his soul, his essence, his attitudes and relationship with God. Because this theme of an inner circumcision is so important, God repeats and stresses it, as in Deuteronomy 10:12-16:

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
And to keep the Lord's commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?
Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.
Yet on your fathers did the Lord set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.
Circumcise then your heart, and stiffen your neck no more."


​

Over and over again God probes the inner man, the real person. His discerning eyes won't allow us to hide behind social facades, adopted mannerisms or walls of materialism. Before God each man is seen just as he is. His innermost thoughts, thoughts he may wish to hide from the world, are exposed by the light of God.

God requires us to keep all His statutes and laws, and yet which one of us can possibly keep all of them all the days of our lives? The prophet writes:

"For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."
-Isaiah 64:6


​

On one hand God tells us to keep all His statutes. On the other the prophet recognizes the human condition: we all fall short of perfection and therefore cannot possibly keep all the Law all the time.
Yet, as we read in Deuteronomy 30:6, God does not expect us to circumcise our own hearts. He says He will do that. But how? And what does He expect from us? Let's look at Leviticus 26:40-42:

"If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me—
I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies—or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity,
Then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land."


​

Ah, is that it? Must we confess our iniquity and rebellion against God? Fine, maybe we do this once a year at Yom Kippur. But, in addition to confession, our uncircumcised heart must become humble.
This appears to be a spiritual operation, but we sense within ourselves that we lack the divine power necessary to perform this—to change our own heart. Then we remember this is an operation God said He would perform.
But how?

King David knew the secret, for after he had sinned against God by taking Bathsheba, he pleaded, in Psalm 51:10-12:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit."


​

David said, "Do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me." The Holy Spirit, the Ruach Ha'kodesh of the ages is the renewing force. It was the Holy Spirit of God which brought peace, comfort and joy to David. He knew what it was like to live both with and without God's Spirit dwelling within him.

It's this very Spirit which David called upon to create a clean heart within him—to renew him. In other words, it is the Holy Spirit of God which performs the circumcision of the heart.

From Abraham to David to you, the inner circumcision continues.
Today we have a promise from God, a promise He always keeps. He has promised for every person who places his trust in the Messiah, in the Anointed One of Israel, this Holy Spirit will indwell him and circumcise his heart, making it right with God.



Source:
Circumcision of the Heart - Jews for Jesus
(Important Note: - While I may agree with the portion of words within this article, I do not believe in everything this site teaches; Especially their wrong belief that believers must observe the Old Testament Law of Moses; We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ; After a believer is saved in repenting of their sins and accepting Christ, they will in time follow the rules or commands under the New Testament as proof that God lives within them (Who is the source of salvation). So while works are proof that you have been saved, works are not done so as to be saved).

 

[Jason0047]

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations,

We learn in the medical field that the blood clotting substance known as "prothrombin" reaches it's peak with a baby on the 8th day. It is truly amazing how God unfolds his right and good knowledge to us in time and how He is always one step ahead of man.

 

[Dan_473]

It was symbolic as baptism is symbolic of Christ's death and resurrection. A true Christian has already applied the Lord's death and resurrection to their life spiritually and has Christ (God) living within them before they are baptized. Baptism is an outward sign or mark of what went on inside them. Abram's name change was then followed by circumcision. These things were outward signs or symbols of what God did inwardly with Abram. So the change in Abram's name was an outward (not an inward) mark of how God was being added to Abram's life.

Anyways, if you disagree, please start another thread, my friend. I am trying to keep this as a Study Thread and not a Debate Thread. Thank you.

Oh, ok... so, God being added to Abram means the same as God living in Christians today... Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Jason0047]

he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant."

In Exodus 12, a stranger was not allowed to eat of the Passover unless they had been circumcised. Meaning, salvation is of the Jews. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus is of a people or nation that was chosen by God who would be our Passover Lamb.

And God said unto Abraham,
"As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her."

Sarai's name meant "Noble woman" and was changed to "Sarah", which means "Princess." So just as princesses rule over kingdoms, Sarah would be a mother to many nations. For her name change speaks of her destiny. A destiny of a chosen people who would give birth to the Messiah wherein all the nations of the Earth would be blessed.

 

[Brainfreeze]

In Exodus 12, a stranger was not allowed to eat of the Passover unless they had been circumcised. Meaning, salvation is of the Jews. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus is of a people or nation that was chosen by God who would be our Passover Lamb.

.

Yes, I do believe " the Jews/Hebrews were chosen " by God, but... He had plans for everyone else as humans races developed.

 

[Jason0047]

Yes, I do believe " the Jews/Hebrews were chosen " by God, but... He had plans for everyone else as humans races developed.

My quote "salvation is of the Jews" is actually taken from Jesus' very own words in John chapter 4.

In other words, I believe God had salvation in mind for everyone, even back in the Old Testament. For the city of Nineveh (that was Gentile) repented at the preaching of Jonah. Then there was Rahab and Ruth. My point is that the Hebrews or the Jews were God's chosen nation to be a light unto the rest of the world.

 

[Brainfreeze]

My quote "salvation is of the Jews" is actually taken from Jesus' very own words in John chapter 4.

In other words, I believe God had salvation in mind for everyone, even back in the Old Testament. For the city of Nineveh (that was Gentile) repented at the preaching of Jonah. Then there was Rahab and Ruth. My point is that the Hebrews or the Jews were God's chosen nation to be a light unto the rest of the world.

agreed.. The Jews didn't accept Him... Why they are Jewish to this very day.

 

[Brainfreeze]

Where are you at with this study Jason..

 

[Jason0047]

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart,
"Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

I believe this statement in Genesis 17:17 was not one of disbelief but it was Abraham merely being amused by God's choice of such an amazing miracle. Romans 4:19 says Abraham was not weak in the faith when he considered his own body and Sarah's womb as both being dead.

Romans 4:19 NLT
And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead--and so was Sarah's womb.

And Abraham said unto God,
"O that Ishmael might live before thee!"

Abraham was expressing his love for Ishmael; He was concerned for his well being.

And God said,
"Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

The name "Isaac" means laughter. Which is fitting because both Abraham and Sarah laughed when they heard they would have a child together in their old age.

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year."

God hears Abraham and promises to also bless Ishmael. It is interesting that Ishmael will have twelve princes just as 12 tribes come out of Jacob, who is Isaac's son.

But God restresses here that His covenant is only made with Isaac, though.

And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

(Genesis 17:1-27).


...

It is fascinating that Abraham was not circumcised until he was 99 years old. This was an outward mark he received of his acceptence of God's Promise that he would have a son with Sarah. This was a miracle child. For Abraham's old age was a part of this miracle taking place. Hence, why he received a mark of the Promise at this time.

All who were in Abraham's house received this mark of circumcision, even those who were bought into his household. I believe this is potentially symbolic of how the Promise is far reaching that would also include the Gentiles, too.

 

[Jason0047]

Story #8 - Abraham and Sarah's Story (Continued).

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey - Continued)

Story Line A:
(A Walk By Faith With God): (Continued)

~ Part 6: ~
- (Abraham & Sarah's special visit from the Lord):

And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

And said,
"My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant."

And they said,
"So do, as thou hast said."

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said,
"Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth."

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

And they said unto him,
"Where is Sarah thy wife?"

And he said,
"Behold, in the tent."

And he said,
"I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son."

And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying,
"After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

And the Lord said unto Abraham,
"Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?'
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

Then Sarah denied, saying,
"I laughed not;"

For she was afraid.

And he said,
"Nay; but thou didst laugh."

(Genesis 18:1-15).


...

 

[Jason0047]

And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

The three men or visitors who came to see Abraham were not your ordinary everyday men. Two of them were angels and the other was a Pre-Incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Abraham ran out to meet the Lord and the two angels and he bowed himself before them in honor to the Lord. Later in our story we learn that the two angels leave for Sodom while Abraham continued to talk with the Lord about the fate of that city. In that discussion, Abraham questions the Lord ("Shall not the judge of the Earth do right?"). Now, I have noticed two other servants of the Lord who were eager or bushy tailed who also questioned the Lord, too. Peter and Martha. Martha ran out to meet Jesus while Mary stayed where she was at. Martha inquired of the Lord to get Mary to come help her in preparing things for Him. Yet, Jesus was saying Mary had the "good part." Mary was doing what was correct. Martha was questioning Jesus. She was trying to tell Jesus what to do. She was eagar. Ambitious. Peter also was eager. He jumped out of the boat and swam to shore to see Jesus. Peter also went out of the boat another time to walk on water to see Jesus (When no one else did). Peter took his sword and attacked the guards when Jesus was about to be arrested. He acted with passion and emotion; And he was eager (Which was good in one way), but Peter was also self opinionated, though (Which lead to questioning the Lord's ways with his beliefs). For Peter desired that Jesus did not go to the cross (Whereby Jesus rebuked him). Peter also expressed that he would not forsake His Lord, too. Yet Jesus said he would deny him three times.

Each of these three servants of God had to be patient and wait upon the Lord for their questions (or false ideas or beliefs about God) were put to rest. Be still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10). Seek the Lord's timing and plan. Trust in Him by faith. For the Lord is our strength and our refuge. His good ways will unfold in time. This is an important message for us today. Especially when we live in a society today where everything is given to us immediately. Just speak into your smartphone and or your Amazon Echo (in your home) and your answer is given to you within seconds. Just point and click and you are either watching a movie or you are getting a package of whatever you like by mail in 2 days. Maps? Forget about it. Just punch the location into your GPS or smartphone and you are good to go. No actual work involved. Talk to people? We even have the internet for that today, too; And one can do that within seconds, as well. So we live in a world today of Instant gratification. Oh, how we need to slow down and be patient on seeking God's will and plan for our life in all we do for Him (And or the various things we might ask of Him). So never question the Lord's ways, my friends. Never give up on the good blessings He has for you. Wait upon Him in faith in all you do. Stay strong in Him. Be patient; And the season reaping with the Lord will be all that more sweeter and more rewarding than anything else you receive in this instant gratification type life.

Anyways, may the Lord bless you and keep you, my friends.


...

 

[Jason0047]

And said,
"My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant."

Abraham said to the Lord and the two angels that he was a servant unto them. He asked if he could wash their feet and rest under the tree. For one, the Scriptures say the tree is like a cross. So the Lord and the two angels that were with him being under the tree is a picture of the Lord and the two thieves being on the cross. Second, Abraham seeking to wash their feet was an act of humility in being a servant just as Jesus was a servant to his disciples in washing their feet. This washing was a picture of Christ's ultimate humble act that he did on our behalf. For Philippians 2:8 essentially says, he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). Three, Abraham said he was going go bring them some bread, as well. This is a picture of Christ being our "bread of life" and how we gain spiritual sustenance from Him. Four, Abraham also said that he wanted to comfort their hearts, too. This is sort of like what Revelation says when Jesus stands at the door of everyones heart and desires to come in so they can sup with them (i.e. to have fellowship with them).

 

[Jason0047]

Abraham said to the Lord and the two angels that he was a servant unto them. He asked if he could wash their feet and rest under the tree. For one, the Scriptures say the tree is like a cross. So the Lord and the two angels that were with him being under the tree is a picture of the Lord and the two thieves being on the cross. Second, Abraham seeking to wash their feet was an act of humility in being a servant just as Jesus was a servant to his disciples in washing their feet. This washing was a picture of Christ's ultimate humble act that he did on our behalf. For Philippians 2:8 essentially says, he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). Three, Abraham said he was going go bring them some bread, as well. This is a picture of Christ being our "bread of life" and how we gain spiritual sustenance from Him. Four, Abraham also said that he wanted to comfort their hearts, too. This is sort of like what Revelation says when Jesus stands at the door of everyones heart and desires to come in so they can sup with them (i.e. to have fellowship with them).

Edit Correction:

So He can sup with them.

 

[Jason0047]

The three men or visitors who came to see Abraham were not your ordinary everyday men. Two of them were angels and the other was a Pre-Incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.

Oh, and if folks here are unaware of the Pre-Incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ within the Old Testament, I created a list of those appearances within the following verses within this thread here:

http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/98395-jesus-messenger-lord-old-testament.html

Anyways, I hope this helps.

And may God bless you greatly.

 

[john832]

In Exodus 12, a stranger was not allowed to eat of the Passover unless they had been circumcised. Meaning, salvation is of the Jews. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus is of a people or nation that was chosen by God who would be our Passover Lamb.

Actually, the meaning here is that an unbaptized, unconverted person is not to take the Passover. The Passover service is a reaffirmation of the commitment one makes at baptism.