Genesis Chapter 15 — God’s Covenant with Abram
Genesis 15 takes place after Abram’s victory in Genesis 14. Abram had rescued Lot, defeated the invading kings, received the blessing of Melchizedek, and refused the riches offered by the king of Sodom. After these events, the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision : “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” — Genesis 15:1 KJV Although Abram had received great promises from God, one major problem remained: he had no child . Abram questioned how God's promise of descendants could be fulfilled when Eliezer of Damascus appeared to be the heir of his household. God answered Abram directly. Eliezer would not be his heir. A son who would come from Abram himself would be his heir. God then brought Abram outside and told him to look toward heaven and count the stars, if he were able: “So shall thy seed be.” — Genesis 15:5 KJV Abram responded with faith: “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6 KJV The chapter...