Genesis 17:23 - Meaning and Application

Here we see Abraham obeying the command to circumcise. He and all the men in his household were circumcised, so they received the sign of the covenant and set themselves apart from other families that had no share in it. His obedience was complete, quick, and far-reaching.

First, it was a ready obedience. Abraham did exactly what God had told him, without asking why. God’s will was not just a command to him, but enough reason by itself. He obeyed because God had spoken.

Second, it was prompt obedience. It was done on the same day, as Genesis 17:23 and Genesis 17:26 say. True obedience does not delay. When God’s command is still fresh in our minds, it is wise to act at once, before we begin to excuse ourselves or put it off until a more convenient time (Psalm 119:60).

Third, it was a whole-household obedience. Abraham did not circumcise his family and leave himself out, but led by example. He did not keep the blessing of the covenant sign for himself alone, but wanted all his people to share it. This is a good example for heads of households, who should lead their homes in serving the Lord. Even though God’s covenant was not made with Ishmael in the same way it was with Isaac, Ishmael was still circumcised. Children of believing parents have a place in the visible church, the public community of God’s people, and may receive the covenant signs, whatever they may become later. Ishmael was blessed, and so he was circumcised.

Abraham did this even though many things could have been used against it. Circumcision was painful. For grown men, it was also embarrassing. While they were sore and unable to act, their enemies might have attacked them, as Simeon and Levi did against the Shechemites (Genesis 34). Abraham himself was 99 years old, and he had already been justified, that is, accepted as right with God, long before. And such an unusual religious act might bring ridicule from the Canaanites and Perizzites living in the land. Yet God’s command was enough answer to every objection. What God requires, we must do, without consulting flesh and blood.