Definition: In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 17:26 together. It's a really important passage that tells us about the beginning of God’s plan for our people! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that Abraham was marked as a special person and had a specific birthright – he was circumcised. Let’s unpack that a little further: “In the selfsame day…” : This tells us this event happened at the same time as something else. It’s like saying “This is happening right now.” “…was Abraham circumcised…” : Abraham was given a special sign – he was circumcised. Think of it as a mark or label that God gave him. This wasn't just a random act; it was a significant and symbolic action. “and Ishmael his son.” : Ishmael was Abraham’s son. The verse then says that this circumcision marked him as a special person, and that Ishmael became Abraham’s son. What does this all mean? This is considered the beginning of God's plan to establish a covenant (a promise) with our people. It’s often seen as a key step in establishing Israel as a nation – a specific group of people under God's protection and guidance. Why was this important? Identification: The circumcision was a symbol of the covenant – a promise that God would always be with Abraham and his descendants. Legitimization: It made Abraham the father of a great line, which is crucial for establishing a nation and future blessings for God's people. Important Note: It’s important to remember this passage is in ancient Jewish tradition and wasn’t necessarily intended to be a literal birth certificate. It was more symbolic – it represented the beginning of a relationship with God and the promise of blessing for those who followed him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to connect it to something else in the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The significance of circumcision in Jewish tradition How this story connects to other stories in Genesis What it means for us today