Genesis: Abraham follows the promise

14Scene image plannedGenesis 15:1–21; 17:1–27

Genesis 12–22

Genesis 15:1–21; 17:1–27

Abram worries that he remains childless, but God brings him outside and promises descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believes, and it is counted to him for righteousness. God seals the land promise in covenant, later changes Abram and Sarai’s names, gives circumcision as a sign, and promises that Sarah will bear Isaac.

KJV referenceGenesis 15:1–21; 17:1–27

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Follow the whole story movement

Abraham follows the promise

God calls Abram to leave country, kin, and security for a land he has not seen. The promises are immense: land, descendants, a great name, and blessing for the nations. The journey is not a straight climb of heroic faith. Abraham fears, deceives, waits, attempts to secure the promise through human arrangements, intercedes for others, and repeatedly learns that covenant life depends on God’s faithfulness. Isaac’s impossible birth embodies that lesson. The binding of Isaac brings the journey to its sharpest test, where Abraham must entrust even the promised son to the God who provided him.

Why this matters

Genesis 15:1–21; 17:1–27

Genesis 15 and 17 deepen the covenant through promise, sign, and a changed identity. The household also tries to secure the future through Hagar, producing real suffering for Hagar and Ishmael. God sees them, cares for them, and insists that the promised line will come by grace.

Songs for this event

Count the Stars

Teach and discuss

What does this passage reveal about God’s character and human responsibility?
Which choice, warning, promise, or act of faith deserves the closest attention?
How does this scene prepare the story for what comes next?

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