Genesis 15
“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.”2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
7 He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”
8 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”
9 So the Lord said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.”
10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. 11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”
17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates— 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.””
Genesis 15 Meaning
Genesis 15 is a significant chapter in the book of Genesis because it unveils a profound covenant between God and Abram (later renamed Abraham). In this chapter, God promises to give Abram a great reward, despite the fact that Abram was childless at the time. Abram expresses his longing for an heir, and God reassures him that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. God establishes a covenant with Abram, promising to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan.
Genesis 15 Commentary and Explanation
In Genesis 15, we are offered a profound glimpse into the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham. This chapter unveils layers of trust, promise, and divine faithfulness that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
The chapter begins with the word of the Lord coming to Abraham in a vision, reassuring him not to fear and promising him great reward. Here, we witness the tender care of God toward His chosen one, offering comfort and encouragement in the midst of uncertainty. It’s a reminder that even in our moments of doubt, God’s promises stand firm.
As the dialogue unfolds, Abraham raises his concerns about his legacy, lamenting his lack of an heir. God responds by promising him descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, cementing the covenant He made with Abraham earlier. This promise extends beyond mere physical offspring; it speaks to the spiritual lineage that Abraham will establish through faith (Romans 4:16-18).
Abraham’s response is one of remarkable faith, despite the apparent impossibility of the promise. He believes in the Lord, and it is counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). This pivotal verse is echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, emphasizing the foundational importance of faith in God’s redemptive plan (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6).
The chapter takes a dramatic turn as God instructs Abraham to prepare a sacrifice, a customary act in sealing covenants during that time. As Abraham diligently follows God’s instructions, he finds himself in a deep sleep, and a dreadful darkness envelops him. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch pass between the divided pieces of the sacrifice.
This imagery holds profound significance. The smoking fire pot and flaming torch symbolize the presence of God Himself, passing through the pieces of the sacrifice alone. In this act, God solidifies His covenant with Abraham, binding Himself to fulfill His promises regardless of Abraham’s ability to uphold his end of the bargain. It’s a unilateral covenant, demonstrating God’s unwavering commitment to His chosen people (Jeremiah 34:18-20).
The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of the promise of land given to Abraham’s descendants, signaling God’s faithfulness to fulfill every aspect of His covenant. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in the establishment of the nation of Israel and, ultimately, in the inheritance of the kingdom of God by all who share in the faith of Abraham (Galatians 3:29).
In Genesis 15, we witness the intricate dance of faith and promise, woven together in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It’s a reminder that even in the darkness of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness shines brightly, guiding us toward the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.
Also Read: Genesis 14 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 15
Genesis 15 occurs at a crucial moment in Abram’s story. Previously, God had promised to make Abram into a great nation and to bless him with land and descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). In chapter 15, Abram begins to doubt this promise, as he is still childless. Through this encounter, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, reinforcing His faithfulness and reassuring Abram of the fulfillment of His promises.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 15
God promises to be Abram’s shield and great reward (Genesis 15:1): This shows God’s love and protection towards Abram. It reminds us that God is not only our shield but also our reward, providing for us and blessing us abundantly.
Abram’s faith is credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6): This verse highlights the importance of faith in our relationship with God. It emphasizes that righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith, not achieved by our own actions.
God instructs Abram to perform a covenant ceremony (Genesis 15:9-21): This ceremony solidifies the covenant between God and Abram. It symbolizes the unbreakable nature of the covenant and shows God’s commitment to fulfill His promises.
Lessons From the Bible Verses
1. Trust in God’s Promises: Like Abram, we may face circumstances that challenge our faith in God’s promises. However, we can learn from Abram’s example and trust that God is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken.
2. Righteousness through Faith: Our righteousness before God is not based on our own works or efforts but on faith in Jesus Christ. By placing our faith in Him, we are credited with His righteousness.
3. God’s Unconditional Covenant: God’s covenant with Abram was unconditional; it depended solely on God’s faithfulness. This demonstrates that God’s promises are unchanging and unwavering. We can rely on Him to fulfill what He has promised in our lives.
Final Thoughts
The story of Abram in Genesis 15 is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness, His protection, and His provision. Just as God reassured Abram, He reassures us today that He is our shield and our great reward. Let us have faith in His promises, knowing that He fulfills them in His perfect timing. May we find comfort and encouragement in the unbreakable covenant between God and His people.