Genesis 15: God’s Promise to Abram

Genesis 15 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible, where God makes a covenant, or a solemn promise, to Abram (later known as Abraham). This promise is central to God’s plan for humanity.

What Happened?

Abram is feeling discouraged. He’s worried about not having an heir to carry on his legacy. God appears to him in a vision and reassures him, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1).

God then takes Abram outside and tells him to look at the stars. He promises that Abram’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram believes God, and God considers this act of faith as righteousness.

To seal the covenant, God performs a symbolic ceremony. He instructs Abram to bring various animals, cut them in half, and arrange the pieces. As Abram waits, birds of prey try to swoop down on the carcasses, but Abram drives them away.

As darkness falls, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch pass between the animal pieces, representing God’s presence. God then makes a specific promise about the land Abram’s descendants will inherit.

Why is this Important?

This chapter highlights God’s faithfulness and the importance of faith. Even when Abram doubted, God reaffirmed His promise. Abram’s trust in God, despite his circumstances, is what pleased God. It shows us that faith is not about seeing but believing.

This covenant also lays the foundation for God’s plan of salvation. Through Abram’s descendants, all nations would be blessed. This points forward to Jesus Christ, who came from Abraham’s lineage, to offer salvation to the whole world.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does God comfort Abram in his fear and doubt? What does this teach us about God’s character?
2. What does it mean that Abram’s faith was credited to him as righteousness? How does this relate to our own faith?
3. What is the significance of the covenant ceremony? What does it symbolize?
4. How does God’s promise to Abram connect to the bigger story of the Bible?
5. In what ways can we apply the lessons from this chapter to our own lives today? How can we demonstrate faith even when we face challenges or uncertainties?

Challenge

Think about a time when you felt discouraged or doubtful. How did you respond? How can you trust God more fully, even when things seem difficult? Remember, God is faithful, and His promises are true!

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Genesis 15 stands as a pivotal chapter in Abram’s journey of faith, a divine encounter that weaves together themes of reassurance, covenant, and the unyielding power of belief. Let’s explore this chapter, drawing insights from the esteemed commentaries of Spurgeon and Matthew Henry.

A Divine Reassurance (v. 1-6)

Following Abram’s valiant rescue of Lot, God appears to him in a vision, declaring, “Fear not, Abram. I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

Matthew Henry highlights the significance of this divine visitation, stating: “Those that show favour to men shall find favour with God.” God’s reassurance comes as a response to Abram’s obedience and compassion, showcasing the divine principle of blessing those who extend kindness to others.

However, Abram’s heart is burdened by the absence of an heir. Spurgeon delves into the complexities of Abram’s faith, noting: “It did very ill become the father of the faithful to say, ‘What wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless,’ immediately after God had said, ‘I am thy shield, and thy exceedingly great reward.’”  

This tension reveals the human struggle within faith – the coexistence of trust in God’s promises and the yearning for tangible fulfilment. Yet, amidst Abram’s concerns, God reaffirms His covenant, promising a multitude of descendants. Spurgeon underscores the nature of true faith: “Oh! This is the faith that justifies, far-reaching, wide-grasping faith, that diminishes not the word of promise, but accepts it as it stands.” Abram’s belief in God’s word, even in the face of uncertainty, is the essence of righteousness.  

A Covenant Sealed (v. 7-21)

God establishes a formal covenant with Abram, promising him the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Matthew Henry emphasises the interconnectedness of God’s promises: “Those that are sure of an interest in the promised seed will see no reason to doubt of a title to the promised land. If Christ is ours, heaven is ours.”  

The covenant ceremony involves a symbolic sacrifice, with God passing between the divided animals, signifying His commitment to the covenant. Spurgeon explains the significance of this act: “Abram never signed the covenant, because he passively watched while God signed it for both of them in the ritual. Therefore, the certainty of the covenant God made with Abram is based on who God is, not on who Abram is or what Abram would do. This covenant could not fail, because God cannot fail.”  

God’s covenant with Abram is not contingent on human effort but rests solely on the unwavering faithfulness of God. It serves as a prototype for the New Covenant in Christ, where salvation is secured through God’s grace, not human works.

Conclusion

Genesis 15 paints a vivid picture of faith in action. It showcases the dynamic interplay of divine reassurance, human doubt, and the unshakeable foundation of God’s promises. As Spurgeon eloquently puts it, “If your faith standeth in the wisdom of man, it is probably a faith in man; it is only that faith which believes the promise because God spake it which is real faith in God.”  

May we, like Abram, cultivate a faith that clings to God’s Word, even when circumstances seem contrary. May we find solace in His covenant promises, knowing that our hope is anchored in the One who cannot fail.