Genesis 17:1–2

Memory Verse

And Abram was a son of ninety-nine years and the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God. Walk before My face and you be undivided. And I will make My covenant between Me and you. And I will multiply you exceedingly” (Genesis 17:1–2)

Although some English translations opt to use the word “blameless”, the original Hebrew word focuses on integrity in the sense of not divided. Abram came from an idolatrous nation (Joshua 24:2). God states to Him that He is the Almighty God, for there are no others. Abram is to reject the god’s of his fathers and be undivided in following the Almighty God. “Blameless” is not a word that conveys the concept of a person who is without blame in their conduct. Noah was called blameless in Genesis 6:9 because his line was not corrupted; his line remained fully human (Genesis 6:12).

Abram belief in God’s promise to him concerning his descendants is the reason he is to walk before the LORD and not be divided in his allegiance (Genesis 15:6). The time was almost upon him when this promise would be fulfilled. This child through whom God would fulfill His promise was not Ishmael (Genesis 17:17). Ishmael was not conceived from faith. It is Isaac that God will establish His covenant with, a son not yet born to Abram (Genesis 17:19).