Genesis 17:22 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

‘And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.'

The order in the second phrase suggests that the first phrase means it was God Who left off talking with Abraham. The covenant was complete. Its various ramifications had been explained. Now the theophany ceases.

“God went up ---”. Compare 35:13; Judges 13:20. This indicates the end of a theophany. God departs, but not to another place. He leaves this world for His own abode, away from this world. His activity in this world is over for the present. It reminds us that Abraham received more than messages in his heart. He experienced the visible, awe-inspiring presence of God.

Genesis 17:22

22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.