Genesis - Chapter 15

Genesis 15.1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15.2 And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Genesis 15.3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. Genesis 15.4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. Genesis 15.5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. Genesis 15.6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15.7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. Genesis 15.8 And he said, LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? Genesis 15.9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Genesis 15.10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. Genesis 15.11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. Genesis 15.12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. Genesis 15.13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their’s, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; Genesis 15.14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Genesis 15.15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. Genesis 15.16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Genesis 15.17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. Genesis 15.18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15.19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, Genesis 15.20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, Genesis 15.21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

Genesis : Chapter 15

Reflection on God's Covenant with Abraham Genesis chapter 15 describes the formal covenant God established with Abraham, a crucial moment in biblical history. In this passage, God reaffirms his promises to Abraham, revealing a vision that testifies to the depth of his faithfulness. This chapter invites us to meditate on Abraham's faith, recognized by God as righteousness, and on the sacred ritual of the covenant. The fundamental themes of trust in God, justification by faith, and divine sovereignty in history are beautifully illustrated. Genesis 15 also prophesies the future of the people of Israel in Egypt, an aspect that deserves our attention. Through this promise, we discover the divine plans unfolding through the generations. Let's reflect together on five biblical passages that shed light on the timeless concepts presented in this important chapter.

Romans 4:3

"Then what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'" This verse directly quotes Genesis 15:6, which serves as the foundation for the doctrine of justification by faith. Abraham's faith is thus highlighted as a model for all believers.

Galatians 3:17

"I mean this: The law, which came 430 years later, does not annul the covenant previously established by God in a way that invalidates the promise. » In this passage, the apostle Paul refers to the covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 15, thus emphasizing the permanence and validity of God's promise in the face of the Mosaic Law.

Acts 7:6-7

"Your descendants will be pilgrims in a foreign land and will be slaves and mistreated for four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves," says God, "and afterward they will leave that land and worship me in this place." » Stephen here highlights the prophecy given to Abraham, highlighting the destiny of Israel and the divine intervention promised by God.

Hebrews 11:11

"By faith Abraham—and Sarah, though barren and advanced in years—were given power to bear a son, because he considered him faithful who had promised him. » This passage invites us to reflect on Abraham's unwavering faith in the promise of descendants, a powerful reminder of God's ability to fulfill what He promised.

Exodus 12:40-41

"The Israelites lived in Egypt for 430 years. At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the armies of the Lord left Egypt. » This verse testifies to the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Abraham, highlighting the time his descendants would spend in Egypt and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

By meditating on these passages, we are called to deepen our understanding of the divine covenant and renew our faith in the One who remains faithful to His eternal promises.