Genesis 15:1-21

Background

Last week we saw the war of kings within the land of Canaan, where Abram is dwelling. His nephew Lot was kidnapped as a result of the war, and Abram stepped in to rescue him. He was successful, and on his return he was blessed by the priest Melchizedek.

Gen. 15:1-6

An unknown amount of time has passed since the events of chapter 14, but we know from chapter 16 that it has been less than 10 years since Abram had settled in Canaan. He was around 85 at this time.

TIMELINE

God appeared to Abram in a vision, the first time in Scripture that this takes place. This was not a dream, as Abram interacts with the real world during this encounter - Abram is seeing a vision of “the word of the LORD.”

This is also the first time this phrase appears in Scripture, and the only times in Genesis.

This phrase is often stated in prophetic writings, which is an affirmation of Abram’s standing as a prophet of God.

This was a theophany - a representation of God presented to mankind in a physical form. Some think this vision is the pre-incarnate Christ.

The message was clear - Abram is not to fear, because God is with him. God is his shield from harm.

In many instances, when an angel appears to someone, they are told not to fear. This interaction is different; the fear isn’t for God but for the future.

We’ve talked a bit about God’s sovereignty, but we see this affirmed in God’s protection of Abram.

God is a shield to Abram (Psa. 5:12; 18:2); no harm can come to Abram because God’s will cannot be thwarted.

Abram was chosen by God be be the forefather of the nation of Israel, the chosen people through whom Jesus would be born and be a blessing to the whole world (Gen. 26:24).

This applies to us, too - Isa. 41:10.

Depending on the translation, Abram’s reward can be confusing. The most clear sense of this from the text is that God Himself is Abram’s reward (“[I am] your very great reward”).

One might also see that the promised child is Abram’s reward (Psa. 127:3). Even in this case, though, the gift comes from God.

Abram’s response to God’s greeting is that of gracious humility (Adonai YHWH), recognizing God’s sovereignty, but also concern. A promise was made and is as of yet unfulfilled.

Abram isn’t denying that God can and will bless him, but all the worldly wealth he is given is meaningless to him in light of the lack of offspring to carry on after him.

In Gen. 12:2, God promised to make Abram into a nation, and that the land he was in would belong to his descendants (Gen. 13:14-16). Yet, Abram acknowledges that a servant is his heir at this time.

Abram’s lack of children is a problem that only God can solve.

God’s response is to plainly tell Abram that he will have a biological child be born to him from his own body. In essence, he’s letting Abram know what will take place in the future, and to trust God.

God reaffirmed His earlier promise by having Abram go outside and count the stars. This innumerable number represents Abram’s descendants.

Apologetically, the Bible gets the number of stars right.

Abram believed God’s word, and in doing so earned righteousness through faith (Heb. 11:8-12; Rom. 4:1-3, 16-22; Gal. 3:7-8, 13-14; 29).

He placed his trust in God, with confidence/reliance in the future. This began back in chapter 12.

We receive the blessing of God through faith in the Savior.

Eph. 2:8-9

Gen. 15:7-12

God reminded Abram again that the land would belong to his, and Abram asked how he would know this. This interaction is not a weakening of his faith, but an asking for a sign. Abram wants physical proof that this will take place.

Consider this asking for directions - landmarks point you in the direction of your destination.

This is just as important for others as it is for Abram.

God instructs Abram to “cut a covenant” with animals. He prescribes a set of animals, and Abram goes about the preparation for the covenant.

This was somewhat common practice, the cut animals representing what will happen if one party violates the covenant. Each party walks between, or passes through, the cut parts signifying the acceptance of the terms.

Abram had to keep the preparation from being spoiled by marauding birds. There could be some symbolism in this, but most suggestions feel forced upon the text. However, as the sun set, the ceremony went underway.

Gen. 15:13-21

Abram had fallen asleep and was given prophecy by God of what would take place to his descendants.

God gave specific information that would take place in the lives of the Hebrews. All of this will take place in Exodus.

Notice in v. 16 that there is a reason for the delay - the iniquity of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan had not yet run its course (Rom. 2:4; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:3-9).

Remember that Abram is currently allies with Amorites.

After God told Abram of all this, once the sun had set, God made a covenant with Abram by passing between the pieces of the animals.

Abram was in a deep sleep at this time, but was supernaturally able to witness what was taking place.

God alone passes between the animals, signifying that He alone is responsible for upholding the terms of the covenant.

God will always remain faithful to keep His promises.

God is in no danger of suffering the consequences of breaking the covenant.

God answers Abram’s request to know that the land will belong to his descendants by making this covenant. He lays out the borders of the land, and lists the people groups that will be dispossessed of their lands.

This is the second covenant in Scripture that God has made with man.

APPLICATION

We receive the blessing of God through faith in the Savior.

God will always remain faithful to keep His promises.

Next week, we will continue the story of Abram's sojourning.