Genesis 15:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15:7-11

We have here the assurance given to Abram of the land of Canaan for an inheritance. I. God declares his purpose concerning it, Gen. 15:7. Observe here, Abram made no complaint in this matter, as he had done for the want of a child. Note, Those that are sure of an interest in the promised seed will see no reason to doubt of a title to the promised land. If Christ is ours, heaven is ours. Observe again, When he believed the former promise (Gen. 15:6) then God explained and ratified this to him.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 15:9

And he said unto him, take me an heifer of three years old ,.... This, with what follows, is the sign by which Abram might know that he, that is, his seed, should inherit the land of Canaan; for the whole of this is an emblem of the state and condition of his posterity, until they should enter into that land: wherefore he is ordered to "take" out of his herds and flocks this and the following creatures, which were used in sacrifice before the ceremonial law was given, as well as under it;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 15:9

Take me a heifer - עגלה eglah , a she-calf; a she-goat, עז ez , a goat, male or female, but distinguished here by the feminine adjective; משלשת meshullesheth , a three-yearling; a ram, איל ayil ; a turtle-dove, תר tor , from which come turtur and turtle; young pigeon, גוזל gozal , a word signifying the young of pigeons and eagles. See Deuteronomy 32:11 . It is worthy of remark, that every animal allowed or commanded to be sacrificed under the Mosaic law is to be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 15:9

Verse 9 9.Take me an heifer of three years old. Some, instead of an heifer of three years old translate the passage, ‘three heifers’ and in each species of animals enumerated, would make the number three. Yet the opinion of those who apply the word three to the age of the heifer, is more general. Moreover, although God would not deny his servant what he had asked; he yet, by no means, granted what would gratify the desire of the flesh. For, what certainty could be added to the promise, by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 15:1-21

Faith. The substance of this chapter is the special intercourse between Jehovah and Abram. On that foundation faith rests. It is not feeling after God, if haply he be found; it is a living confidence and obedience, based upon revelation, promise, covenant, solemn ratification by signs, detailed prediction of the future. God said, " I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward"— i.e. I am with thee day by day as the God of providence; I will abundantly bless thee hereafter. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 15:9

And he said unto him, Take me (literally, for me, i.e. for my use in sacrifice) an heifer of three years old . So rightly ( LXX ; Syriac, Samaritan, Arabic, Josephus, Bochart, Rosenmüller, Keil); not three heifers (Onkelos, Jarchi, Kimchi, et alii ). And a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old . These offerings, afterwards prescribed by the law ( Exodus 29:15 ; Numbers 15:27 ; Numbers 19:2 ; Deuteronomy 21:3 ), were three in number, and of three... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 15:1-21

- The Faith of Abram1. דבר dābār, “a word, a thing;” the word being the sign of the thing.2. אדני 'ǎdonāy, “Adonai, the Lord;” related: “bring down, lay down.” This is the name usually read in place of Yahweh; but when, as in the present case, יהוה yehovâh and אדני 'ǎdonāy are in apposition, אלהים 'ĕlohı̂ym is read instead of the former. The Jews from a feeling of reverence avoided the utterance of this sacred name except on the most solemn occasions. This is said to have arisen from a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 15:9

Genesis 15:9. Take me a heifer Perhaps Abram expected some sign from heaven, but God gives him a sign upon a sacrifice. Those that would receive the assurances of God’s favour, must attend instituted ordinances, and expect to meet with God in them. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 15:1-21

Click image for full-size versionGod’s covenant with Abram (15:1-21)Earlier God had promised Abram a people and a land (see 12:2; 13:15). Abram’s faith concerning the promised land had been tested through drought and conflict, and his faith concerning the promised people was constantly being tested through his wife’s inability to have children. According to a custom of the time, a childless couple could adopt a person and make him heir to the family property. Abram therefore decided to adopt... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 15:9

Take me = take for me: i.e. an offering for me, heifer. See App-15 . read more

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