Genesis 17:1-9

1When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him. The Lord said, ‘I am God Almighty. In all your life, obey me and do nothing wrong.

2Then I will certainly keep my covenant with you. I will make your descendants grow in number.’

3Abram fell down so that his face touched the ground. God said to him,

4‘As for me, this is my covenant that I have made with you. You will become the ancestor of many nations of people.

5Your name will not be Abram any more. Instead your name will be Abraham, because I will cause you to become the ancestor of many nations.

6I will give you many descendants. These will make many nations of people. Some of your descendants will become kings.

7My covenant with you is very strong. I am making it with you and with your descendants. It will continue for generation after generation of your descendants, for all time. I will be your God. I will also be the God of all your descendants.

8You are now living here in Canaan as a foreign person. But I will give all of this land to you and to your descendants. It will belong to them for ever. I will be their God.’

9God continued to speak to Abraham. He said, ‘As for you, you must agree to obey me. You must obey the rules of my covenant. You, and all your descendants after you must obey it.