Genesis 12:7

III. THE. LTAR OF GOD BUILT

7. And the Lord appeared unto Abram.

This is the third revelation made to Abraham of which we have record; the first in Ur of the Chaldees, the second in Haran, and the third when he had reached the land to which the Lord directed him. This special revelation was needful that he might certainly know that he had reached the destined home of his race. The revelation contained just one item.

To thy seed will. give this land.

It was not promised to him, but to his seed, and all he ever owned in fee simply was. burial place. He remained to the last. dweller in tents without. fixed habitation. It was 400 years before his seed entered into possession.

There he builded an altar unto the Lord.

Full of gratitude and reverence for the revelation, he at once made the spot. temple by the erection of an altar of sacrifice, at which he officiated as priest. There was then no sacerdotal caste; the head of the family was the priest of his household; here, in this spot so renowned in history, the first altar to Jehovah, of which we have record, was reared; thus, as it were, openly taking possession of the promised land in the name of Jehovah. The altar was reared on the spot where the Lord appeared. The memory of this great event was perpetuated and the place was regarded as. sanctuary for many generations. See Joshua 24:26. It should be noted that wherever Abraham fixed his abode there he reared an altar, as at Shechem, Bethel, Hebron, and Beersheba.

Who appeared unto him. This is the first direct mention of the Lord appearing to any mortal. His voice was heard by Adam, and he spoke to Noah, but here he appears to Abraham; how we are not told, whether in vision, or by an angel.