Ouch! What Was That For?

I didn't want to forget again, so I made sure I posted here before I started posting on another page.  This is the study page for our group meeting on June 7 next week.  Chapter 17 forms an interesting couplet with 18, somewhat like Chapter 1 and 2 as we saw before.  The similarities are striking as are the differences.  It might help to read both chapters together even though we will be spending more time on 18 later.

As you read 17, consider the following questions, and, as always, come up with your own.

• God names Himself, what is different here from the names previous?
• Look up "blameless", or in the Strong's Concordance, "perfect".  How is that the same or different from what we normally think of as either blameless or perfect?
• This seems to be another "greeting" (remember chapter 15?).  How does this event seem to differ from before in Chapter 15? (there's a clue in verse 22)
• God changes Abram and Sarai's names here.  Read this article about names, and the significance of name changes from the Blue Letter Bible website.  So why does this relationship between Abram and God "turn a corner" here? What's so different now?
• The promise of lots of descendants and the land Abraham resides in is repeated in verses 4-8.  But now the covenant is ratified, not by binding God to it (chapter 15), but by circumcision of Abraham; and everyone else.  Why impose this so thoroughly throughout Abraham's household?
• What would you have thought if your household leader comes to you with this "new plan" from God?
• The text is very explicit that Abraham complied that very day, repeating it several times.  Why is that important?
• What limits would you place on your obedience to God?  What does "making sense" have to do with obedience?

That should do it for now.  Remember to write down questions you have as you read.  Some will be answered are you study, and some not (some never).  Bring 'em on!

Blessings upon you, and see you this Thursday!