Detours on the Path

 

Genesis 17:21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” 22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

A lot has happened in this biblical family since yesterday's post.  God called Abram to move away from the rest of the clan, receiving God's promise to make his line a great people. But Sarai had remained barren. Abram had tried various ideas to get a son, including taking Sarai's handmaiden to mother a son. It was successful, but God said: "This is a detour from My path; next year Sarai will have the son of promise." Interestingly, God gives Abram and Sarai new names, and a sign of His covenantal promise: circumcision, which is to include and cover their whole household, before this promised son is born. God allows detours, despite the dangers and disasters along the path, but He still has His perfect plan.