To demonstrate his deep respect for God, Abram bowed his face to the ground while God continued to speak with him.

"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.

"No longer will you be called Abram but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you." (Abram means exalted father, Abraham means father of a multitude.)

God went on to tell Abraham that He was also making His covenant with future members of Abraham's family. As a sign of the agreement they were entering into God instructed Abraham to circumcise all the males in his household.

The physical act of circumcision was an outward manifestation of what was to take place internally when one chooses to follow God and His ways. No longer was there a hard covering around the heart, but the heart was open to love God.(Deut. 30:6)

"As for your wife, Sarai," God went on. "don't call her Sarai, but Sarah (meaning Princess) will now be her name. I'll bless her and give her a son. And she'll become a mother of many nations; kings of nations will come from her."

Abram wondered how he, who was one hundred years old and his wife, who was ninety years old, could have a child.

"Oh, that Ishmael might find favor in your sight," Abraham said, thinking of the son whom he already had.

"No," God told him. "Sarah, your true wife will give you a son, and you'll call him Isaac. Through him and his descendants will I establish My covenant.

"As for Ishmael, I've heard your request. I have blessed him and I will make him fruitful and will give him many descendants. He will father twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

"But with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you this time next year, will I establish my covenant."

When God had finished talking and left Abraham hastened to follow the instructions he had been given. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh, and Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised. Abraham also saw to it that all the male servants in his house were circumcised.

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