ABRAHAM

MODULE 3: SESSION 15: The Covenant of Circumcision

Hagar plays out an an inverted prelude to the exodus. As an Egyptian slave fleeing oppression at the hands of Avram and Sarai, she meets God’s mercy and blessing in the wilderness. Both Hagar and Avram face a de-creation and re-creation moment in this narrative—Hagar in wilderness and blessing, and Avram in circumcision and a new name. The covenant of circumcision reflects the language of God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 9. It is a sign both of God’s judgment and his grace.