NOTES for Gen 17:1-27
When the covenant with God is made, Abram and Sarai receive new names, which means that a new life begins for them. The symbolism of life is seen most vividly in circumcision, the sign and seal of this covenant, because it is connected with sexuality and blood, two vital elements of life. Abraham’s life now belongs to God: God takes upon Himself the fulfillment of the promise to preserve and multiply Abraham’s line, accompanied by a new promise that Sarah will bear a son. What, then, is Abraham’s role in this covenant? He is not required to obey any particular commandments or rites. He must be blameless—that is, whole and without defect. The word “blameless” is used in the Bible to describe animals fit for sacrifice. And the second requirement, perhaps the most important, is that he must await the fulfillment of God’s promise with all his heart. Without this there is no faith, only a “pious life.”