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Matthew Henry Commentary
- El Shaddai, The Most Mighty God, God Almighty |
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Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am the Almighty God. Obey Me and always do what is right.
Here is,
The time when God made Abram this gracious
visit: When he was ninety-nine years old, full thirteen years after the
birth of Ishmael. So long, it should seem, God's extraordinary appearances
to Abram were intermitted; and all the communion he had with God was only in
the usual was of ordinances and providences.
Note, There are some special comforts which are not the daily bread,
no, not of the best saints, but they are favoured with them now and then. On
this side heaven they have convenient food, but not a continual feast.
So long the promise of Isaac was deferred.
(a.) perhaps to correct Abram's over-hasty marrying of Hagar.
Note, The comforts we sinfully anticipate are justly delayed that a
child so long waited for might be an Isaac, a son indeed, (Isaiah 54:1).
The way in which God made this covenant with him: The Lord appeared to
Abram, in the shechinah, some visible display of God's immediate glorious
presence with him.
Note, God first makes Himself known to us, and gives us a sight of Him by faith, and then takes us into His covenant. The posture Abram put himself into upon this occasion: He fell on his face while God talked with him, v. 3. As one overcome by the brightness of the divine glory, and unable to bear the sight of it, though he had seen it several times before. Daniel and John did likewise, though they were also acquainted with the visions of the Almighty, (Daniel 8:17; 10:9,15; Revelation 1:17).
Or, As one ashamed of himself, and blushing to think of the honors done to one so unworthy. He looks upon himself with humility, and upon God with reverence, and in token of both, falls on his face, putting himself into a posture of adoration.
Note, God graciously condescends to talk with those whom He takes into
covenant and communion with Himself. He talks with them by His Word,
(Proverbs 6:22). He talks with them by His Spirit, (John 14:26). This honor
have all His saints.
Those that are admitted into fellowship with God are, and must be, very humble and very reverent in their approaches to Him. If we say we have fellowship with Him, and the familiarity breeds contempt, we deceive ourselves. Those that would receive comfort from God must set themselves to give glory to God and to worship at His footstool.
