“And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,”
This verse is part of the account of God’s covenant with Abram (later known as Abraham) recorded in Genesis chapter 17. It provides a glimpse into a significant encounter between Abram and God.
To understand the context of this verse, let’s look at the preceding verses. In Genesis 17:1-2 (KJV), it says:
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly.”
In these verses, God appeared to Abram and identified Himself as the Almighty God. God then instructed Abram to walk before Him and be perfect. This call to walk before God and be perfect is an invitation for Abram to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands.
In verse 3, we see Abram’s response to God’s appearance and message. Abram fell on his face, an act of reverence, humility, and submission before God. Falling on one’s face signifies a deep sense of awe and respect for the divine presence.
It is important to note that this physical posture of falling on his face represents Abram’s recognition of his own unworthiness before God and his acknowledgment of God’s authority and majesty. It also demonstrates his willingness to listen and submit to God’s words.
Following Abram’s posture of humility, God spoke with him. The subsequent verses (Genesis 17:4-27) contain the details of the covenant God established with Abram, promising to make him a father of many nations, changing his name from Abram to Abraham, and instituting the sign of circumcision as a visible symbol of the covenant.
Genesis 17:3 teaches us several important lessons:
- Humility before God: Abram’s act of falling on his face exemplifies the humble posture we should adopt in the presence of God. It reminds us that we are finite beings in the presence of an almighty and holy God, deserving of our reverence and respect.
- Submission to God’s authority: By falling on his face, Abram acknowledges God’s authority over his life. Similarly, we should submit ourselves to God’s will, recognizing that His plans and purposes are greater and wiser than our own.
- Openness to hearing from God: Abram’s physical posture of humility and his readiness to listen enabled him to receive God’s message. Likewise, we should cultivate a receptive heart to hear from God through prayer, studying His Word, and being attentive to His guidance in our lives.
- Covenant relationship with God: The encounter between God and Abram in this passage establishes a covenant, a binding agreement between God and humanity. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire to bless and multiply Abram’s descendants. This covenant foreshadows God’s plan for redemption through Jesus Christ and His establishment of a new covenant with all who believe in Him.
In summary, Genesis 17:3 captures Abram’s humble response to God’s appearance and sets the stage for the establishment of a significant covenant. It reminds us of the importance of humility, submission, and attentiveness in our relationship with God, as we seek to walk faithfully before Him and receive His guidance in our lives.
