1 ¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect. God tells Abram, all you have to do is have faith in me and I will take care of you. You will be fine if you just believe in me, have faith in me, trust me, and don't worry about the rest. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. Notice this word “covenant”. It means “agreement”. It is used 13 times in this chapter, so it is very important. Abram is 99 years old at this time, and the agreement is that Abram and Sarai will have a multitude of descendants. But they don't have any children at this time. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, God toned down His appearance to Abram, but it was still so intense that Abram fell on his face in front of God. 4 ¶ As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. “Covenant” is mentioned again. The promise is between Abram and God alone. 5 Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. God is changing Abram's name at 99 years old to Abraham because what Abraham is going to do with the rest of his life is a big change. 6 And I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you. Many great descendants will come from Abraham. 7 ¶And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your seed after you. God is making an everlasting... |