Genesis 15:1-5
Summary for Gen 15:1-21: 15:1-21 a The Lord made a formal covenant with Abram, solemnly confirming the promises made at his call (12:1-3 b). There would be a long period of slavery for Abram’s descendants before these promises would be completely fulfilled. 15:1 c Do not be afraid: Abram lacked a son to be his heir. The Lord addressed Abram’s anxiety about the future with comforting words.• I will protect you (literally I will be your shield): The Hebrew word for “shield” (magen) is from the same root as Melchizedek’s word defeated (14:20 d). The Lord who had defeated Abram’s enemies would continue to protect him.
• your reward will be great: The promise of offspring (12:2-3 e; cp. Ps 127:3 f) was still unfulfilled.
Summary for Gen 15:2-3: 15:2-3 g Using a wordplay, Abram expressed his concern that Eliezer of Damascus (Hebrew dammeseq), a man in Abram’s household, would be his heir (Hebrew ben-mesheq, “son of possession”), as was customary when there was no son.
Summary for Gen 15:4-6: 15:4-6 h God affirmed that the promise was for Abram’s own offspring and showed him the stars as a promise of the vast number of descendants that he would have (22:17 i; 26:4 j). Paul quotes this promise in Rom 4:18 k to underscore the strength of Abram’s faith.
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