Genesis Chapter Fifteen Series

GENESIS CHAPTER FIFTEEN OVERVIEW

Overall what is happening in this chapter is God makes a covenant with Abram.

Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 15

Abram believes God, who promised him a seed which shall equal the stars in number. He is commanded to prepare victims; falls into a deep sleep, and hears God foretelling the future condition of his posterity: the covenant is renewed.

John Gill (1771) – Genesis 15

This chapter informs us of a gracious appearance of God to Abram, and of a kind promise made unto him, Genesis 15:1; of Abram's request for an heir, Genesis 15:2; of an answer to it, that he should have one, and even a numberless seed, Genesis 15:4; which he gave credit to, Genesis 15:6; upon which he has a fresh promise of the land of Canaan, Genesis 15:7; of his inheriting of which he desires a sign, and this was given him, Genesis 15:8; and at the same time it was predicted to him how long his posterity should be afflicted in a land not theirs, and afterwards come out with great substance, Genesis 15:13; and the grant of the land of Canaan to his seed is renewed, Genesis 15:17.

Matthew Henry (1714) – Genesis 15

In this chapter we have a solemn treaty between God and Abram concerning a covenant that was to be established between them. In the former chapter we had Abram in the field with Kings; here we find him in the mount with God; and, though there he looked great, yet, methinks, here he looks much greater: that honor have the great men of the world, but “this honor have all the saints.” The covenant to be settled between God and Abram was a covenant of promises; accordingly, here is:

I. A general assurance of God's kindness and good-will to Abram (Genesis 15:1).

II. A particular declaration of the purposes of his love concerning him, in two things:

1. That he would give him a numerous issue (Genesis 15:2-6).

2. That he would give him Canaan for an inheritance (Genesis15:7-21).

Either an estate without an heir, or an heir without an estate, would have been but a half comfort to Abram. But God ensures both to him; and that which made these two, the promised seed and the promised land, comforts indeed to this great believer was that they were both typical of those two invaluable blessings, Christ and heaven; and so we have reason to think, Abram eyed them.

Thomas Constable (2012) – The Abrahamic Covenant Chapter 15

Abram asked God to strengthen his faith. In response Yahweh promised to give the patriarch innumerable descendants. This led Abram to request some further assurance that God would indeed do what He promised. God graciously obliged him by formalizing the promises and making a covenant. In the giving of the covenant God let Abram know symbolically that enslavement would precede the fulfillment of the promise.

From chapters 12 through 14 issues involving God's promise to Abram concerning land have predominated. However from chapter 15 on tensions arising from the promise of descendants become central in the narrative.

Abram was legitimately concerned about God's provision of the Promised Land as well as his need for an heir. He had declined the gifts of the king of Sodom and had placed himself in danger of retaliation from four powerful Mesopotamian kings. God had proven Himself to be Abram's "shield" (defender) in the battle just passed. Now He promised to be the same in the future and to give Abram great "reward." This was God's fourth revelation to Abram.

"Genesis 15 not only stands at the center of the external structure of the Abraham narratives, but also is regarded in the history of exegesis right down to the present as the very heart of the Abraham story." [Note: Westermann, Genesis 12-36, p. 230.]

"Chapter 15 consists of two divine encounters involving dialogue between the Lord and Abraham and powerful images symbolizing God's presence and promises. The first occurs at night as a vision (Genesis 15:1) and pertains to the promised seed. The second occurs at sundown, partially in a deep sleep (Genesis 15:12), and pertains to the Promised Land." [Note: Waltke, Genesis, p. 238.]

Moses' declaration that "Abram believed the LORD . . ." (Genesis 15:6) links the two sections.

KEY VERSE

Genesis 15:6 “Then he (Abram) believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

KEY EVENT

God’s covenant with Abram.

KEY THOUGHT

In this chapter we find the first time mentioned in scripture that a person puts his faith in God’s promises. (verse 6)

KEY CROSS-REFERENCE

Galatians 3:6-7 “Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.”