Genesis 17

In Genesis 17 circumcision is initiated as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendents. Circumcision is still practiced among Jews to this day. The time following birth that is given for performing a circumcision is the 8th day. It needs to be noted the modern medicine has shown do to a peeking of potassium levels on the 8th day following birth making it the ideal time for performing a circumcision. God also changes Abraham name from Abram to Abraham and Sarah’s name Sarai from to Sarah

God also tells Abraham that next year Sarah would have a son and that his name is to be Isaac. It should be noted that Sarah was 90 years old at the time. God also tells Abraham about Ishmael decedents.

Genesis 16: 4-16

Genesis 16: 4-16 takes palce after Abraham takes Hagar as a second wife. Sshe is now pregnant causing Sarah to get jealous. Hagar flees but God intervenes telling her to return and that she will have a son who will become the father of many nations. A fact demonstrated by the fact that the Arabian people of the descendents of Ishmael.

It needs to be noted that Abraham was 86 when Ishmael was born but he would not be Abraham’s only son though the only one through Hagar