1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD [came] unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
7 And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 15
Genesis Chapter 15 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Genesis, marking a significant moment in the covenant relationship between God and Abram (later known as Abraham). This chapter addresses themes of faith, promise, and divine assurance, laying the groundwork for the Abrahamic covenant that shapes much of the biblical narrative.
Key Themes
- Divine Assurance: God reassures Abram of His protection and promises.
- Covenant and Promise: The establishment of a covenant between God and Abram regarding his descendants.
- Faith and Righteousness: Abram’s belief in God’s promises is credited to him as righteousness.
- Future Generations: The prophecy regarding the future of Abram’s descendants, including their time in Egypt.
Detailed Analysis
1. God’s Assurance to Abram (Verses 1-6)
In the opening verses, God speaks to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” This statement highlights several aspects:
- Fearlessness: God encourages Abram to cast aside his fears, emphasizing His protective nature.
- Reward: The notion of God as a reward signifies that Abram’s relationship with God is not transactional but relational.
When Abram expresses concern about his lack of an heir, God reassures him by promising that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram’s belief in this promise is pivotal, as it establishes the principle of faith being credited as righteousness.
2. The Covenant (Verses 7-21)
God then formalizes His covenant with Abram, reminding him of his calling and the land that will belong to his descendants:
- Land Promise: God promises Abram the land of Canaan, which is significant in the context of Israel’s future.
- Descendants: The covenant includes a promise of numerous descendants, reinforcing the theme of faith in God’s provision.
God instructs Abram to prepare a sacrificial offering, which symbolizes the seriousness of the covenant. The ritual of cutting the animals in half and the passing of the flaming torch between the pieces signifies God’s commitment to fulfill His promises, even at the cost of His own life.
3. Prophecy of the Future (Verses 13-16)
God reveals to Abram that his descendants will be strangers in a foreign land (Egypt) and will endure oppression for 400 years. This prophecy serves multiple purposes:
- Foreknowledge: It demonstrates God’s omniscience and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
- Hope and Deliverance: Despite the oppression, God assures Abram that his descendants will ultimately be liberated and return to the land promised to him.
4. The Fulfillment of the Covenant (Verses 18-21)
The chapter concludes with God establishing the boundaries of the land that will be given to Abram’s descendants. This serves as a geographical promise, solidifying the covenant’s tangible aspects. The mention of specific nations reinforces the historical context of Israel’s future conquests and settlements.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 15 is a foundational text that encapsulates the themes of faith, divine promise, and covenant. Abram’s interaction with God sets a precedent for the relationship between God and His people throughout the biblical narrative. The chapter not only emphasizes God’s faithfulness but also invites readers to reflect on the nature of belief and the assurance of God’s promises.
