Genesis 15

Genesis 15

15:1 The phrase "Do not be afraid" is very common in the Bible. But of all the times it is used, it seems Abram was the least needing of them. I don't see Abram as exhibiting any fear, and if he was then it was reverential fear.

15:3 I think it's obvious where Abram's mind was. I guess it goes to show that children were considered quite a blessing, either that or NOT having children was considered a curse. God definitely had a plan here though. Postponing the children in this couple's life was yet another lesson. If Abram can be blamed for anything, it was not waiting for God's timing.

15:4 Besides the obvious blessing that was being given here, it makes me wonder what Eliezer of Damascus thought. Here he was set to inherit everything and the unthinkable happens - Abram has a son in his old age.

15:6 This is a wonderful verse because it shows that belief is what pleases God. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). An Old Testament example of a New Testament truth. Actually it is not just a New Testament truth, it is an eternal truth.

15:7 If there was any doubt how Abram's life turned out since he left his childhood home, it was all put together here.

15:8 This is a legitimate question, though we might see it as shortsighted. He kind of contradicts himself when he says "Sovereign Lord" and then asks for a sign. Would not the "Sovereign Lord" have control over everything? And yet, it still makes Abram all the more human.

15:9 Is it strange that in asking for a sign concerning land Abram is told to bring some animals?

15:10 Is it more strange that Abram just does it? I wonder in what manner this conversing was happening. Was God speaking out of the sky? Could other people hear them? Was it a vision? It really doesn't matter, but it is an interesting question to ask.

15:11 This makes me wonder what was going through Abram's head the rest of that day. What made him kill the animals to begin with? Why didn't God just show up as he obviously was not even that long ago? I don't have an answer to these questions.

15:12 Why is the darkness so dreadful? Shouldn't it be wonderful if it is of the Lord? Perhaps he was just frightened by the manner of the vision here.

15:16 This is a prophesy of the time Israel will spend in Egypt under the slave masters of Pharaoh. Perhaps this prophesy is given in response to the question as a way of telling Abram, "Not only will you have a child, your offspring will be enslaved and I will rescue them." It's really quite beautiful.

15:16 It is interesting to read this about the Amorites. I feel this is the same idea as the timing of the coming of the Lord Jesus. "At just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6).

15:17 Although there was still a vision to come, the darkness of prophesy lifted.

15:17 The vision Abram sees is strange. I don't really know what to make of it except that God was really being serious. The fire could mean a number of things, maybe the sacrifice is burned up, maybe it represents the sufferings and trials of the Israelites, or it could be something else entirely. What is known is that God makes a promise here that is not nor will ever be broken. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and what he says will happen WILL.