VISION] probably a trance, with the senses dormant, but the mind awake to spiritual impressions: cp. Numbers 24:3; Numbers 24:15; Numbers 24:16. FEAR NOT] It is thought that Abraham was depressed at the thought (1) of his childlessness, and (2) of the powerful enemies he had made through the rescue... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD PROMISES AN HEIR TO ABRAHAM AND THE LAND OF CANAAN FOR HIS DESCENDANTS. THE PROMISE IS RATIFIED BY A COVENANT The passage is from the Primitive source. A somewhat similar account from the Priestly narrative is given in Genesis 17. The repetition shows the importance attached by the compiler of... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT WILT THOU GIVE ME] of what avail are these promised possessions, with no child to inherit them? THE STEWARD, etc.] RV 'he that shall be possessor of my house,' i.e. the heir, would be Eliezer of Damascus, a servant. The Damascenes have always boasted a connexion with Abraham.... [ Continue Reading ]
Abraham is assured that his heir should be a child of his own begetting.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE BROUGHT HIM FORTH] This was probably part of the vision. TELL THE STARS] i.e. count them.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE COUNTED IT TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS] Faithful Abraham gave up his own will to the will of God, did not seek to force his way in the world (Genesis 14:22), but awaited God's blessing in His good time. And this attitude of trust and submission was esteemed by God. St. Paul quotes this passage to sh... [ Continue Reading ]
Abraham asks for some pledge of the fulfilment of the promises.... [ Continue Reading ]
God condescends to confirm the promise of the possession of the land by a visible sign. Abraham is directed to make the usual preparations observed in old times when two parties were about to make an important covenant or alliance: cp. Jeremiah 34:18. Certain animals and birds used in sacrifice were... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BIRDS DIVIDED HE NOT] see on Leviticus 1:17. Probably they were put opposite one another.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOWLS] RV 'birds of prey': an omen of the troubles which his descendants must encounter before entering into their possession.... [ Continue Reading ]
AN HORROR OF GREAT DARKNESS] lit. 'a terror, even great darkness,' preceding the wondrous sight of Genesis 15:17. 13. Abraham is given a glimpse of the fortunes of his descendants. A LAND THAT IS NOT THEIRS] i.e. Egypt. Centuries must elapse before the family of Abraham had grown into a nation fit... [ Continue Reading ]
GO TO THY FATHERS] see on Genesis 25:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE INIQUITY OF THE AMORITES IS NOT YET FULL] The Amorites here stand for the races of Canaan generally. They are to be spared for 400 years, until their idolatry and gross vices have exhausted the forbearance of God: cp. Deuteronomy 7:1 and Intro. to Joshua.... [ Continue Reading ]
BURNING LAMP] probably 'torch,' though the meaning is uncertain. The ratification of the covenant now took place by a bright light enveloped in cloud, the symbol of God's presence, passing between the victims: cp. Exodus 3:2; Exodus 40:34, etc. God gave the promise of the inheritance of the land: Ab... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RIVER OF EGYPT] probably the Wady el Arish on the border of Egypt. In the days of Solomon the promise was fulfilled (1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 4:24).... [ Continue Reading ]
KENITES AND KENIZZITES] Tribes of the Negeb and Southern Desert. The Kenites were widely spread from Midian to Naphtali: cp. Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11. KADMONITES] of the Syro-Arabian Desert. 20, 21. PEIIZZITES] see on Genesis 13:7. REPHAIMS] see on Genesis 14:5. The others were peoples of Canaan: s... [ Continue Reading ]