* God encourages Abram. (1) The Divine promise, Abraham is justified
by faith. (2-6) God promises Canaan to Abraham for an inheritance.
(7-11) The promise confirmed in a vision. (12-16) The promise
confirmed by a sign. (17-21)... [ Continue Reading ]
1 God assured Abram of safety and happiness; that he should for ever
be safe. I am thy shield; or, I am a shield to thee, present with
thee, actually caring for thee. The consideration that God himself is,
and will be a shield to his people, to secure them from all evils, a
shield ready to them, and... [ Continue Reading ]
2-6 Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to
complain to him; and to state all our grievances. It is ease to a
burdened spirit, to open its case to a faithful and compassionate
friend. Abram's complaint is, that he had no child; that he was never
likely to have any; that the want... [ Continue Reading ]
7-11 Assurance was given to Abram of the land of Canaan for an
inheritance. God never promises more than he is able to perform, as
men often do. Abram did as God commanded him. He divided the beasts in
the midst, according to the ceremony used in confirming covenants,
Jeremiah 34:18; Jeremiah 34:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
12-16 A deep sleep fell upon Abram; with this sleep a horror of great
darkness fell upon him: a sudden change. The children of light do not
always walk in the light. Several things were then foretold. 1. The
suffering state of Abram's seed for a long time. They shall be
strangers. The heirs of heav... [ Continue Reading ]
17-21 The smoking furnace and the burning lamp, probably represented
the Israelites' severe trials and joyful deliverance, with their
gracious supports in the mean time. It is probable that this furnace
and lamp, which passed between the pieces, burned and consumed them,
and so completed the sacrif... [ Continue Reading ]