Genesis 17:3 Commentary and Bible Study

Abram fell on his face in that posture which expresses humble submission and recognition of God’s power and majesty. This is solemn adoration and gratitude. By falling on his face he indicates that he is not worthy to look on the face of God. He is like one who has been overcome by another who is stronger than he is, and accordingly he takes up this disadvantaged posture. He is ready to do whatever God tells him to do. It is the posture of a subject before an all-powerful ruler. ‘I do not deserve it’, he thought to himself. ‘God is still dealing with me in this magnificent way: great revelations and appearances. I do not deserve the mercy and the love of God.’ God says, ‘As for me, behold my covenant is with thee and thou shall be a father of many nations.’ Abram was the father even of many earthly nations in a sense, but this is clearly a reference to the many nations that will be represented in the spiritual kingdom of God in the future. Abram, father of the faithful. From him come the Jews, other races too, but from the Jews come the gospel, and Christ, and the salvation of the Gentiles. So he is going to be the father of many nations.