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 6

  • 1. Genesis 2:21
  • 2. Acts 7:6, 7
  • 3. Exodus 1:11, 12; Exodus 3:7
  • 4. Acts 7:6; [Exodus 12:40, 41; Galatians 3:17]
  • 5. Exodus 6:6
  • 6. Exodus 12:36; Psalms 105:37
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.