Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:3
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And Abram fell on his face, etc.] At the sight of so glorious a Person that appeared to him, and in reverence of his majesty, and as sensible of his unworthiness of such a visit, and of having such favours bestowed upon him; and not because he was not as yet circumcised, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it; and so other Jewish f1061 writers observe, that before he was circumcised he fell, when God spoke to him, but afterwards he sat and stood, (<011801>Genesis 18:1); but it may be observed, that not only uncircumcised persons, as Balaam, (<042231>Numbers 22:31), in whom Jarchi instances, but circumcised ones, as Ezekiel, (<260128>Ezekiel 1:28), Joshua, (<060514>Joshua 5:14), and others, have fallen on their faces at a divine appearance: and God talked with him; after he was raised up, and was strengthened and encouraged to stand up before God, and hear what he had to say to him; for after this we read of his falling on his face again, (<011717>Genesis 17:17); which shows that he had been erect, after he first fell on his face: saying; as follows.
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