Genesis 17:8
French (La Bible expliquée)
A toi et à tes descendants, je donnerai le pays où tu séjournes en étranger, tout le pays de Canaan. Il sera leur propriété pour toujours et je serai leur Dieu. » Le nom, dans les pays de la Bible, représente une part essentielle de la personne. Il lui donne son identité, et aussi un programme de vie. Changer le nom d'un individu, c'est donc l'engager dans une existence différente. C'était notamment la pratique des rois du Proche-Orient, qui établissaient un pacte avec des vassaux. Comme un suzerain, Dieu attend fidélité réciproque et obéissance de son partenaire d'alliance, bien qu'il garde toute l'initiative du pacte. Les parents du patriarche l'avaient appelé Abram, « père élevé », rêvant peut-être pour lui de grandeur… Désormais le nom Abraham, « père d'une foule », focalise la destinée du patriarche sur la promesse divine d'une descendance nombreuse, biologique, mais aussi spirituelle. C'est ainsi qu'Abraham deviendra « grand ». Cette alliance est un pas de plus dans la révélation du plan de Dieu. Il se présente donc à Abram sous un nom nouveau: El-Chaddaï, évoque la force, d'où sa traduction par « Dieu tout-puissant ». Pour le commentateur juif Rachi, l'expression signifie « Dieu qui est suffisant » (pour ses créatures).
What Does This Mean?
God promises Abraham that he and his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan forever. God is saying that he will always be their God. This promise is about God's commitment to Abraham and his family.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special toy, and your friend promises you that you and your future brothers and sisters will always have this toy. That’s what God is doing here. He’s giving Abraham and his family a big, beautiful land forever and saying He will always be their special friend.
Historical Background
The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This verse is part of God's covenant with Abraham, emphasizing the promise of the land of Canaan. The cultural setting reflects a nomadic lifestyle, and the promise of a permanent homeland was significant for Abraham's descendants.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse can remind us of God’s promise to provide and protect, even when our circumstances seem uncertain. Just like Abraham was a stranger in the land of Canaan, we might feel like strangers in our daily lives, but God's promise and presence give us hope and security.
Topics
promiseinheritancecovenanthopeland of promiseeverlasting
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a stranger in the land of Canaan?
It means that Abraham and his descendants were living in a land that was not yet their own, but God promised to make it their home.
How does God being their God tie into the promise of land?
God's promise of the land was part of a larger covenant, where God committed to be their God, providing for and protecting them in their new land.
Can this promise be seen as a metaphor?
Yes, many interpret this promise metaphorically, seeing it as a symbol of God's promise to provide and care for his people, both spiritually and physically.
What does 'everlasting possession' mean in this context?
It means that the promise of the land is not temporary but is intended to last forever, signifying God's eternal commitment to his people.