How close is Genesis 16 to the Abrahamic Covenant?
Genesis 16 is located within a chapter or two of the Abrahamic Covenant in the biblical text, yet chronologically decades have passed. Abram had already been waiting 36 years for the promise of Genesis 12 to be fulfilled—that he would have a son and from him a special nation.
Les explains that Genesis 16 is within a chapter or two of the Abrahamic Covenant, but chronologically years had been rolling by. Abram, still known as Abram, had already waited 36 years for the promise of Genesis 12 to be fulfilled—that he would have a son and from that son would come a special race or nation. Les notes that 36 years is a long time, and we should not get too impatient with the old fellow, since we might feel the same way, as though God had forgotten. Sarai had no signs whatsoever of ever being able to have a child.