171 Now when Abram was ninety-nine e years old , the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty ; Walk before Me, and be blameless . 2 "I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly ." 3 Abram fell on his face , and God talked with him, saying ,
4 "As for Me, behold , My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations . 5 "No longer shall your name be called Abram , But your name shall be Abraham ; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations . 6 "I will make you exceedingly fruitful , and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 17:1-6
Commentary on Genesis 17:1-6
(Read Genesis 17:1-6)
The covenant was to be accomplished in due time. The promised Seed was Christ, and Christians in him. And all who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abram, being partakers of the same covenant blessings. In token of this covenant his name was changed from Abram, "a high father," to Abraham, "the father of a multitude." All that the Christian world enjoys, it is indebted for to Abraham and his Seed.