Genesis 15:12-14

12 As the sun was going down, a ¹deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him.

13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain ²that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and ³they will be afflicted for ⁴four hundred years.

14 But ⁵I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward ⁶they shall come out with great possessions.

Genesis 15:12-14 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.

Cross References

• 1. 15:12 ch. 2:21
• 2. 15:13 Acts 7:6, 7
• 3. 15:13 Ex. 1:11, 12; 3:7
• 4. 15:13 Acts 7:6; [Ex. 12:40, 41; Gal. 3:17]
• 5. 15:14 Ex. 6:6
• 6. 15:14 Ex. 12:36; Ps. 105:37