When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "God went up from Abraham" isn't just a poetic way to end a conversation; it signifies a tangible departure, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with the divine and validating the profound promises just made. This visible ascent provided Abraham with undeniable proof of the encounter, reinforcing his faith in the face of a promise that seemed humanly impossible.
When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After God had finished speaking with Abraham and confirming their covenant, He ascended back into heaven. This departure served as a tangible confirmation of the divine encounter, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with God, and reinforcing the promises made, particularly concerning the imminent birth of Isaac. Immediately following this divine departure, Abraham faithfully carried out God's command to circumcise himself and all the males in his household.
God finished His conversation with Abraham and then 'went up from him.' What does this dramatic exit signify?
The text describes God ascending from Abraham. This wasn't just an end to their talk; it was a powerful, visible sign that confirmed God's presence and the divine nature of their encounter.
A Tangible Assurance
Commentators note that this departure was likely a visible ascension, perhaps in a human-like form. This visual confirmation served to solidify Abraham's faith, assuring him that he had indeed spoken with God Himself, not merely an angel or a human messenger.
Leaving a Lingering Presence
Though God departed visibly, His presence remained. The encounter left Abraham with a profound certainty that God was real and actively involved in his life. This certainty provided the foundation for Abraham to receive and believe the promises God had just made, especially concerning the birth of Isaac.
God finished His conversation, and then ascended. What does this 'leaving off' tell us about divine communication?
The phrase 'left off talking' signifies the completion of a specific divine visitation and covenant renewal with Abraham. While God is always present, these direct, visible encounters were distinct moments of divine communication.
The Nature of Divine Encounters
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These encounters, though intense and real, were not meant to be permanent in their visible manifestation. As Gill points out, 'the highest enjoyments of God here are not lasting; uninterrupted communion with him is reserved for another world.' This implies that while we can experience God's presence and communication now, ultimate, uninterrupted communion awaits us in eternity.
Preparing for Faith's Journey
God's departure after speaking prepared Abraham for a life of faith. He had the assurance of the encounter, but now needed to live by faith in the promises received, trusting God even when the visible manifestation was gone. This transition from visible presence to faith-based trust is a key theme in Abraham's life.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme Creator, Ruler, and Judge of the universe. In the Hebrew Bible, this term (Elohim) emphasizes His power, sovereignty, and role as the source of all existence.
Avraham · Hebrew Noun
The father of the nation of Israel and the spiritual father of all who have faith in God. He is known for his obedience and the covenantal relationship God established with him.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
God establishes a covenant with Abram
God appears to Abram, changes his name to Abraham, and establishes a covenant with him, promising numerous descendants and the land of Canaan.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham and his household circumcised
As a sign of the covenant, Abraham, Ishmael, and all the males in his household are circumcised.
c. 2078 BC
Birth of Isaac
Sarah, Abraham's wife, gives birth to Isaac, the son through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled.
c. 2067 BC
Sarah banishes Hagar and Ishmael
Tensions between Sarah and Hagar lead to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away from Abraham's household.
c. 2067 BC
God reaffirms covenant promises
God speaks to Hagar in the wilderness, reiterating promises for Ishmael's descendants and their future.
This passage describes God ascending from Jacob after establishing a covenant, mirroring the action of God ascending from Abraham here and signifying God's departure to His heavenly dwelling place.
Exodus 24:1This verse details God calling Moses, Aaron, and others to 'come up to the LORD,' implying a visible ascension or departure after a divine encounter, similar to God's ascension from Abraham.
Luke 24:51This New Testament passage describes Jesus ascending into heaven after His resurrection, offering a parallel to the visible departure of God from Abraham, underscoring the divine nature of the encounter.
John 1:51Jesus speaks of seeing 'heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man,' which relates to the idea of divine presence and departure from earth, as seen when God went up from Abraham.
Acts 1:9This account of Jesus' ascension, where He is taken up 'and a cloud hid him from their sight,' provides another parallel to God's visible departure from Abraham, highlighting a divine being returning to a celestial realm.
calvinGenesis 17:1-27: "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect."
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
Tunc Abraham tulit Ismael filium suum, et omnes vernas domus suae, et…
gillGenesis 17:22: "And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham."
And he left off talking; with him,.... After he had finished all he had to say to him at this time. It was great condescension in the divine Being to talk with a creature; it was wonderful grace and kindness to make such promises to him, as he did, and indulge him with answers of prayer and communion with him; but the highest enjoyments of God here are not lasting; uninterrupted communion with him is reserved for a…
The phrase "God went up from Abraham" isn't just a poetic way to end a conversation; it signifies a tangible departure, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with the divine and validating the profound promises just made. This visible ascent provided Abraham with undeniable proof of the encounter, reinforcing his faith in the face of a promise that seemed humanly impossible.
After God had finished speaking with Abraham and confirming their covenant, He ascended back into heaven. This departure served as a tangible confirmation of the divine encounter, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with God, and reinforcing the promises made, particularly concerning the imminent birth of Isaac. Immediately following this divine departure, Abraham faithfully carried out God's command to circumcise himself and all the males in his household.
After God had finished speaking with Abraham and confirming their covenant, He ascended back into heaven. This departure served as a tangible confirmation of the divine encounter, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with God, and reinforcing the promises made, particularly concerning the imminent birth of Isaac. Immediately following this divine departure, Abraham faithfully carried out God's command to circumcise himself and all the males in his household.
"When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham." — The phrase "God went up from Abraham" isn't just a poetic way to end a conversation; it signifies a tangible departure, assuring Abraham that he had indeed communed with the divine and validating the…
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Last reviewed October 2026