As it is written, &c.— That Abraham's being the father of many nations, has relation to the covenant that God made with him, may be seen Genesis 17:4-5. Behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations: neither shall thy name any more be called Abram; but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made or constituted thee, by virtue of my covenant with thee. Dr. Doddridge, instead of, before him whom he believed, even God, reads, like God whom he believed; for so he thinks the original word κατεναντι, may signify. The meaning of the last clause seems to be, "Who speaketh of things which do not yet exist as if they were actually existing; because he knows theywill exist in due time." See Markland on Arnold's Comment on Wis 11:25.
Related Commentaries of Romans 4:17
Romans 4:17
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.