Genesis 17
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Abraham was very old. Ninety-nine years old! That is really, really old. His beard was white. His hands were wrinkly.
One day, God came to Abraham. God said: "I am God. I am very strong. I take care of you."
Abraham was so amazed. He fell down on the ground. His face touched the sand.
Then God spoke. God said something big. "Abraham, you will get a son. A real son of your own!"
Abraham had wanted a son for so long. So long! But he was old now. And his wife Sarah was old too. Ninety years old!
Abraham started to laugh. He thought: A baby? Really? With hair so white?
But God said: "Yes. Really. Your baby will come. His name will be Isaac. Next year, you will hold him in your arms."
What Does This Mean?
God said something that seemed impossible. A baby, with such old parents? That cannot be!
But God is God. God is strong. God can do what no one else can do.
God gave Abraham a promise. A promise is when you say: "I will do it. For sure!" God always keeps His promises. Always.
The Common Thread
God said something else too. Abraham would have very, very many grandchildren. And great-grandchildren. And more, and more, and more!
And do you know who came from Abraham's family, a long, long time later? The Lord Jesus!
Yes! Baby Jesus in the manger. He came from Abraham's family. God had planned that for a long time.
So when Abraham heard God's promise, he did not know it yet. But God was already thinking about Jesus. God was already thinking about you.
For You
Sometimes you want something very much. Maybe a hug from Daddy. Or you hope Grandma comes over. Or you want to be big already.
You can tell God everything. God listens. God is not too busy. God is never tired.
And God can do very much. More than you think. God even made a baby come to Abraham and Sarah when they were as old as your great-great-grandpa!
God is that strong. And that good.
Abraham laughed because he could hardly believe it. But God did it anyway. God kept His word.
Do you know what you can do now? You can trust God. Just like Abraham did. Even when something seems too big. Even when you have to wait a long, long time.
God sees you. God knows your name. Just like He knew Abraham's name.
Talk About It
Do you think it is funny that Abraham and Sarah were going to have a baby when they were so old? Why?
What would you like to ask God for? Something you have been waiting for?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are big and strong.
You gave Abraham a baby, even though he was so old.
Thank You that You are so good.
Thank You that You see me too.
I love You.
Amen.
Questions about Genesis 17
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Genesis 17 about?
What does Genesis 17 say?
What does Genesis 17 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Genesis 17?
Why is Genesis 17 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant." Not on a scroll, not in a memory, but in the body Abraham carried everywhere. And notice who receives it: the servant born in the house, the one bought with money. Outsiders marked as insiders. Where has God written his promise on you in a way you cannot leave behind?
Circumcision. God chooses a sign hidden under clothing, marked on the very part of the body through which Abraham's promised offspring would come. The covenant isn't worn like a badge for others to admire. It's private, personal, carried in the flesh.
What sign of belonging to God do you carry that no one else sees? Faith often lives in the hidden places first.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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