Genesis 17:3 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, And Abram fell on his face - The eastern method of prostration was thus: the person first went down on his knees, and then lowered his head to his knees, and touched the earth with his forehead. A very painful posture, but significative of great humiliation and reverence.