I. Introduction
A. Transition from the events in Genesis 16, specifically the birth of Ishmael
B. Introduction to the narrative of God’s covenant with Abram, his name change to Abraham, and the institution of circumcision in Genesis 17
II. God’s Covenant with Abraham
A. Verses 1-2: God appears to Abraham and identifies Himself as God Almighty (El Shaddai)
B. Verses 3-8: God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising to make him exceedingly fruitful and to give him many nations as descendants
C. Verses 9-14: God establishes the sign of the covenant as circumcision, to be performed on all males in Abraham’s household, including himself, his descendants, and slaves
D. Verses 15-16: God promises that Sarah, previously known as Sarai, will bear Abraham a son and that she will be the mother of nations
E. Verses 17-22: Abraham’s response of falling facedown in reverence, God’s assurance of His blessings for Ishmael, and Abraham’s obedience in circumcising himself and his household
III. The Name Change and the Promised Son
A. Verses 23-27: Abraham and every male in his household are circumcised, fulfilling the covenant
B. Verses 15-19: God reiterates the promise of a son through Sarah and renames Abram as Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude”
C. Verses 21-22: God sets the appointed time for Sarah to conceive and reaffirms His covenant with Isaac as the promised son
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the events in Genesis 17
B. Transition to the subsequent chapters and the further development of Abraham’s story
Note: This outline provides a general structure of Genesis 17, focusing on God’s covenant with Abraham, the establishment of circumcision as the sign of the covenant, the name change from Abram to Abraham, and the promise of a son through Sarah. It highlights the obedience of Abraham and the confirmation of God’s covenant. The actual chapter contains additional details, dialogues, and interactions that are not included in this outline.