Genesis 15:7-21

The Promised Blessings

The words "After these things" in verse one show the importance of remembering the victory God had given. Abram firmly believed God was also the source of his wealth. These facts must be recalled to fully appreciate the vision of Chapter 15. First, God reminded Abram that he was his protection and source of the great blessings he received.

Abram's trouble with fully appreciating God's blessings rested in his lack of an heir. God promised Abram's own son would be heir to the blessings coming from God. In fact, Abram's descendants would be many, like the stars in the heaven. The victory of Chapter 14 gave Abram a strong basis for believing in the Lord (Verse 6).

Second, God renewed his promise to give the land of Canaan to Abram. When Abram asked how he could know he would inherit the land, God's answer came in the form of a covenant made with Abram (15:7-21). Abram knew he could count on a covenant with God because of the sovereignty he had displayed in the earlier defeat of the four kings.

These two Chapter s clearly tie God's great promises with his sovereignty. If he rules over heaven and earth, then he can give his faithful whatever he has promised. No wonder Paul said God could work all things together for good to them that love the Lord (Romans 8:28)!