PART 14 – THE NAME CHANGE: ABRAM TO ABRAHAM, SARAI TO SARAH
Bible Study for the Series: ABRAHAM – THE FATHER OF FAITH
✝️ Main Scripture Text: Genesis 17:1‑27
Supporting Cross‑References: Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17; Romans 4:16‑17; Colossians 2:11‑13; 1 Peter 2:9
Opening Background
Many years had passed since Abram and Sarai brought Hagar into their home, and Ishmael had been born. Abram was now ninety‑nine years old; Sarai was well beyond the age of childbearing. Humanly speaking, the promise of the covenant son seemed impossible. At this point, God appears to Abram to confirm the everlasting covenant, change their names to match their destined identity, and establish circumcision as the visible sign of the covenant for every male in his household. This study teaches us about God’s naming power, living according to who God says we are, and the meaning of the covenant seal over our lives.
Verse‑by‑Verse Breakdown
Genesis 17:1‑2 – God reveals Himself as the Almighty God
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.”
God introduces Himself as El‑Shaddai – The Almighty God. This name speaks of God’s all‑sufficiency, the One who can make the impossible happen. Abram’s body was as good as dead, Sarai’s womb was barren — but El‑Shaddai does not work according to human limitations. God tells Abram to “walk before me and be thou perfect”. This is not sinless perfection but a life of wholehearted, sincere devotion, walking openly before the Lord. God renews His covenant promise to multiply him greatly.
Genesis 17:3‑6 – Abram becomes Abraham
“And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 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.”
Abram means “exalted father”. Abraham means “father of many nations”. Notice the tense: “I have made thee”. God speaks of it as already done, even before Isaac is born before the nations descend from him. God calls things that are not as though they already are (Romans 4:17). Abram had to begin calling himself by his new name, living out the identity God had spoken over him, long before he saw the physical evidence of the promise.
Genesis 17:7‑14 – The covenant sign of circumcision
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant … And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you … 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.”
Circumcision was the outward, physical mark of the inward covenant relationship between God and Abraham’s household. Every male, including servants born in his house, had to receive the sign. For New Testament believers, the Bible teaches us about the circumcision of the heart (Colossians 2:11‑13) — the inward cutting away of the old sinful nature, made possible through Jesus Christ. Our seal of the covenant is the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Genesis 17:15‑17 – Sarai becomes Sarah
“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. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?”
Sarai means “my princess”. Sarah means “princess (for all)”. Her identity expanded too — she would not just be Abraham’s private princess, but the mother of nations. Even Abraham laughed in his heart, wondering how a hundred‑year‑old man and ninety‑year‑old woman could have a child. God was not angry at his moment of unbelief; He reaffirmed that Sarah herself would bear the promised son, Isaac.
Genesis 17:18‑27 – Abraham obeys immediately
“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac … 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.”
Abraham pleaded for Ishmael, the son from the flesh, to be the heir. God said no — the covenant line would go through Isaac. That very same day, Abraham obeyed everything God commanded, circumcising every male in his household. Instant, unquestioning obedience to the covenant terms.
Key Biblical Lessons for the Believer (Practical Application)
Lesson #1: When everything seems impossible, remember El‑Shaddai
Your circumstances may scream “it can never happen”. Your body, your finances, your family situation may look dead. El‑Shaddai, the Almighty, is the God of the impossible. Nothing is too hard for Him. Let His name for Himself strengthen your faith when your hope is fading.
Lesson #2: God gives you your new identity before the miracle arrives
God named Abraham “father of many nations” before Isaac was born. Stop defining yourself by your present condition. Define yourself by what the Word of God says about you. You are a child of God, an heir, a royal priest, more than a conqueror. Speak your God‑given identity over your life daily.
Lesson #3: True covenant relationship is an inward heart circumcision
For us today, it is not physical circumcision, but the cutting away of the old self, the fleshly desires, the old mindsets. Ask the Holy Spirit to circumcise your heart and to remove everything in you that is not pleasing to the Lord. The outward religious act means nothing without inward change.
Lesson #4: Obedience to God’s command should be immediate
Abraham circumcised his household the very same day God spoke to him. When God gives you an instruction, do not delay obeying. Procrastination is a tool of the enemy to make you miss your spiritual breakthrough. Quick obedience releases the covenant blessings over your life.
Lesson #5: God’s perfect promise does not cancel His mercy over your “Ishmaels”
God said the covenant would go through Isaac, but He still heard Abraham’s prayer for Ishmael and promised to bless him. Even when you have produced “Ishmaels” from your own haste, God will still show mercy. He will bless what He has allowed while still bringing His perfect promise to pass in your life.
Personal Reflection & Group Discussion Questions
1. What impossible situation am I facing right now where I need to remember El‑Shaddai, the Almighty God?
2. Am I calling myself by my old, defeated identity, or by the new name and identity God has given me in Christ?
3. What areas of my heart need the circumcision of the Holy Spirit — old habits, old mindsets, old sinful desires?
4. Has God given me an instruction I have been delaying to obey? What will I do to obey Him quickly?
5. What “Ishmael” from my past mistakes do I need to commit to God’s mercy today?
爐 Closing Prayer for Part 14
El‑Shaddai, Almighty God, thank You that nothing is impossible for You. I received my new identity in Christ today. Circumcise my heart and cut away every part of my old fleshly nature. Give me quick, ready obedience to every word You speak to me. I trust You to bring forth my “Isaac”, Your perfect promise, even as I thank You for Your mercy over my “Ishmaels”. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
