Genesis 15:1-7

God’s covenant with Abram

1 After these events, the LORD's word came to Abram in a vision, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your protector. Your reward will be very great."

2 But Abram said, "LORD God, what can you possibly give me, since I still have no children? The head of my household is Eliezer, a man from Damascus."

3 He continued, "Since you haven't given me any children, the head of my household will be my heir."

4 The LORD's word came immediately to him, "This man will not be your heir. Your heir will definitely be your very own biological child."

5 Then he brought Abram outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars if you think you can count them. He continued, "This is how many children you will have."

6 Abram trusted the LORD, and the LORD recognized Abram's high moral character.

7 He said to Abram, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession."

Genesis 15:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 15

This chapter informs us of a gracious appearance of God to Abram, and of a kind promise made unto him, Ge 15:1; of Abram's request for an heir, Ge 15:2,3; of an answer to it, that he should have one, and even a numberless seed, Ge 15:4,5; which he gave credit to, Ge 15:6; upon which he has a fresh promise of the land of Canaan, Ge 15:7; of his inheriting of which he desires a sign, and this was given him, Ge 15:8-12; 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, Ge 15:13-16; and the grant of the land of Canaan to his seed is renewed, Ge 15:17-21.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or shield or benefactor
• [b]. Heb uncertain