Bible Commentaries
Genesis 15

Verse 1

the word of the LORD. First occurance of this expression is with the preposition. el , unto, implying action of a person; or, at least, articulate speech.

a vision = the vision. Occurs only 4 times (here, Numbers 24:4 , Numbers 24:16 ; Ezr 13:7 ).

I am thy shield. Manifested in Genesis 14:13-16 and Genesis 14:17-24 . Compare John 8:56 . The Incarnate Christ is Faith's shield (Ephesians 6:16 ).

Verse 2

Lord GOD. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See App-4 . First occ, relating to blessing in the earth.

go = am going on.

Verse 3

Behold . . . lo. Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ).

heir. Hebrew. inherits me. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). This was strictly in accordance with 191 of the Code of Kharnmurabi. See App-15 .

Verse 5

Look. See note on Genesis 13:14 .

now = steadfastly.

stars. See on Genesis 13:16 = the heavenly calling in Israel (Hebrews 3:1 ; Hebrews 11:9-16 ). Figure of speech Paroemia.

number them. Hence Joahs objection in 2 Samuel 24:3 .

Verse 6

believed: i.e. believed Jehovah = believed what he "heard" (Romans 10:17 ).

counted = reckoned or imputed. righteousness. No art. = as righteousness. This was positive imputed righteousness (because he believed concerning Christ). It was more than forensic righteousness, which was negative or nonimputation of sin (Psalms 32:1 , Psalms 32:2 ). This was the consequence of the Gospel preached to Abram. (Compare Galatians 3:8 , and read Rom 4 and Galatians 3:0 ).

Verse 8

Lord GOD. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See Genesis 15:2 and App-4 .

Verse 9

Take me = take for me: i.e. an offering for me, heifer. See App-15 .

Verse 10

these. Five, the No. of Grace, because Covenant was unconditional. See App-10 .

divided. So Covenants were made (Jeremiah 34:18-20 ), midst, i.e. in half.

Verse 12

Abram. Put to sleep so that he should have no part in it, and that the Covenant should be unconditional, in which "God was the one" and only contracting party (Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:20 ). Compare Genesis 15:17 . Contrast "both", Genesis 21:27 .

lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. See App-6 .

Verse 13

Know of a surety. Hebrew. knowing thou shalt know. Figure of speech Polyptoton , and note on Genesis 26:28 .

thy seed , i.e. Isaac. See note on Genesis 21:12 . The 400 years date from Isaac's birth (Acts 7:6 ). The 430 from the "promise" or Covenant here made (compare Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:17 ), and include the whole "sojourning" (Exodus 12:40 ). and shall serve, &c. Figure of speech Epitrechon. See App-6 . This is shown by the Structure ( Introversion ). a | Thy seed shall be a stranger, &c. b | and shall serve them b | and they shall afflict them a | four hundred years. In a and a we have the whole sojourning and duration. In b and b the servitude in Egypt (215 years).

Verse 14

judge. Put by Metonymy (of Cause), for punish.

Verse 15

go to thy fathers = die and be buried. Abram's fathers were idolaters. Joshua 24:2 . Figure of speech Euphemism ( App-6 ).

Verse 16

fourth = Levi, Kohath, Amram, Moses; (or Levi), Jochebed (born in Egypt).

iniquity. Hebrew. 'avon. See App-44 .

not yet. Another mark of the corruption of the Canaanite nations through the Nephilim and Rephaim.

Verse 17

furnace. Symbolic of the affliction of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:20 . 1 Kings 8:51 .Isaiah 31:9 . Ezekiel 22:18-22 .Jeremiah 11:4; Jeremiah 11:4 ).

lamp. Symbolic of Israel's deliverance (1 Kings 11:36 ; 1 Kings 15:4 .Isaiah 62:1 . 2 Samuel 21:17 ).

Verse 18

the LORD. Not Abram (Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:17 ). See note on Genesis 15:12 .

have. Before this it was "I will". From now it is "I have".

this land. Never yet possessed with these boundaries.

Verses 19-21

Ten nations. See App-10 .

Verse 20

Hittites. First occurance. See Exodus 32:2 .Joshua 3:10 , &c.

Rephaim. Another link in the chain from Genesis 6:4 . Compare Genesis 12:6 ; Genesis 13:7 ; Genesis 14:5 ; and see App-23 .