Acts 7:8

“And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, etc.] Or the covenant, of which circumcision was a sign or token, (<011711>Genesis 17:11). Stephen speaks here in the language of the Jews, who are wont to speak of circumcision after this manner; hence in the Jewish liturgy, there is a collect, hlym tyrbl, “for the covenant of circumcision” f271; and so it is said f272, “when Joseph died, they made void the “covenant of circumcision”:” and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; according to the express command in (<011712>Genesis 17:12 (See Gill on “<500305>Philippians 3:5”)) and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs; the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel.”

“the covenant of circumcision--that is, the covenant of which circumcision was the token. and so--that is, according to the terms of this covenant, on which Paul reasons (Gal. 3:1-26). the twelve patriarchs--so called as the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel.”

“And he gave him - That is, God appointed or commanded this, Genesis 17:9-13. The covenant - The word “covenant” denotes properly “a compact or agreement between two or more persons,” usually attended with seals, pledges, or sanctions. In Genesis 17:7, and elsewhere, it is said that God would establish his “covenant” with Abraham; that is, he made him certain definite promises, attended with pledges and seals, etc. The idea of a strict “compact” or “agreement” between God and man, as between “equal parties”; is not found in the Bible. The word is commonly used, as here, to denote “a promise on the part of God,” attended with pledges, and demanding, on the part of man, in order to avail…”

“And so he begat Isaac - After the covenant was given, of which circumcision was the seal. Gen 17:10. Acts 7:9”

“7:8 the covenant of circumcision: See Gen 17:9-14; see also “Circumcision in the New Testament” Theme Note.”

“the covenant: Gen 17:9-14; Joh 7:22; Rom 4:10; Gal 3:15, Gal 3:17 and so: Or, "and thus," και \[Strong's G2532\], ουτως \[Strong's G3779\], in this covenant. Gen 17:12, Gen 21:1-4 and Isaac: Gen 25:21-26; Ch1 1:34; Mat 1:2; Rom 9:9-13 and Jacob: Gen 29:31-35, 30:1-24, Gen 35:16, Gen 35:23-26; Exo 1:1-4; Ch1 2:1, Ch1 2:2 patriarchs: Act 2:29; Heb 7:4 Acts 7:9”