Deuteronomy 10:12-17
*Watchword*
Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. Genesis 17:24-25 NKJV
This text repeats again that Abraham was 99 years old on the day God appeared to him and he was circumcised. Perhaps he was the oldest man ever to be circumcised, at least at that time. God’s plan for future generations of Abraham’s offspring was to use this ritual as a sign of the covenant with Him, to be performed when they were eight days old (Genesis 17:12). Abraham’s obedience in circumcision is a sign of participation in God’s covenant.
This was not only going to be a painful process, especially for the adult men in the camp, but it was going to be one that will leave them in a vulnerable situation. Circumcision is painful, to grown men it is shameful, while they were sore and unfit for action, their enemies might take advantage against them, as Simeon and Levi did against the Shechemites. (Genesis 34:24-25).
Ishmael at 13, was also circumcised on this momentous day, though God’s covenant was not established with him, yet he was circumcised; as a male living in Abraham’s household. (Genesis 17:14).
*Confession*
Heavenly father, help me to have confidence in your guidance and direction as you turn my life into a powerful demonstration of what trust in you looks like. Amen.
*Prayer*
Oh Lord, give me the grace, to walk in the faith that response in obedience to your word in every situation of life. Amen.
*Additional Reading*
Galatians 5:3
Romans 2:25.