Genesis 15 - Introduction

Genesis 15. The Promise to Abraham of an Heir and the Land. The analysis presents well-nigh insoluble difficulties, and critics are much divided as to details. It is generally agreed that elements from J and E have been combined, this being the first instance where E can be definitely traced. The opening of E is no longer preserved; the editor began to draw on it at the point where he found it serviceable. The story in Genesis 15:7 ff. is not a continuation of that in Genesis 15:1. The latter takes place by night (Genesis 15:5), the former begins in the daytime and ends after sunset. Twice over we have a promise of great prosperity. In Genesis 15:6 Abraham trusts God's promise; it is strange that in Genesis 15:8 he asks for it to be confirmed. Genesis 15:7 is also more natural at the beginning than in the middle of a revelation. But Genesis 15:1 is not itself a unity. Yahweh points to J, in a vision to E. Genesis 15:2 a and Genesis 15:3 a are practically doublets of Genesis 15:2 b and Genesis 15:3 b. But no agreement has been reached as to the analysis. Genesis 15:7 exhibits slight traces of E, but consists for the most part of J and later expansions. The chapter records how, in response to Abraham's misgivings, Yahweh promises him an heir and an innumerable posterity, and makes a covenant with him to assure him that his seed shall possess the land.