1. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.
2. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”
3. At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him,
4. “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!
5. What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.
6. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!