Genesis 15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15

Chapter 15 In this chapter we have a solemn treaty between God and Abram concerning a covenant that was to be established between them. In the former chapter we had Abram in the field with kings; here we find him in the mount with God; and, though there he looked great, yet, methinks, here he looks much greater: that honour have the great men of the world, but ?this honour have all the saints.? The covenant to be settled between God and Abram was a covenant of promises; accordingly, here is,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15:1

Observe here, I. The time when God made this treaty with Abram: After these things. 1. After that famous act of generous charity which Abram had done, in rescuing his friends and neighbours out of distress, and that, not for price nor reward. After this, God made him this gracious visit. Note, Those that show favour to men shall find favour with God. 2. After that victory which he had obtained over four kings. Lest Abram should be too much elevated and pleased with that, God comes to him, to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15:2-6

We have here the assurance given to Abram of a numerous offspring which should descend from him, in which observe, I. Abram's repeated complaint, Gen. 15:2, 3. This was that which gave occasion to this promise. The great affliction that sat heavy upon Abram was the want of a child; and the complaint of this he here pours out before the Lord, and shows before him his trouble, Ps. 142:2. Note, Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to complain to him, and to be large and... read more

Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15:12-16

We have here a full and particular discovery made to Abram of God's purposes concerning his seed. Observe, I. The time when God came to him with this discovery: When the sun was going down, or declining, about the time of the evening oblation, 1 Kgs. 18:36; Dan. 9:21. Early in the morning, before day, while the stars were yet to be seen, God had given him orders concerning the sacrifices (Gen. 15:5), and we may suppose it was, at least, his morning's work to prepare them and set them in order;... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 15:17-21

Here is, I. The covenant ratified (Gen. 15:17); the sign which Abram desired was given, at length, when the sun had gone down, so that it was dark; for that was a dark dispensation. 1. The smoking furnace signified the affliction of his seed in Egypt. They were there in the iron furnace (Deut. 4:20), the furnace of affliction (Isa. 48:10), labouring in the very fire. They were there in the smoke, their eyes darkened, that they could not see to the end of their troubles, and themselves at a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 15

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 15 This chapter informs us of a gracious appearance of God to Abram, and of a kind promise made unto him, Genesis 15:1 ; of Abram's request for an heir, Genesis 15:2 ; of an answer to it, that he should have one, and even a numberless seed, Genesis 15:4 ; which he gave credit to, Genesis 15:6 ; upon which he has a fresh promise of the land of Canaan, Genesis 15:7 ; of his inheriting of which he desires a sign, and this was given him, Genesis 15:8 ; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 15:1

After these things ,.... The battle of the kings, the captivity of Lot, the rescue of him and his goods, and of those of Sodom and Gomorrah by Abram, and the conversation that passed between him, and the kings of Sodom and Salem: the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision ; Christ, the essential Word, appeared to Abram in an human form, visible to him, and with an articulate voice spoke unto him: saying , as follows: fear not, Abram ; calling him by his name, the more to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 15:2

And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless ,.... As if he should say, what signifies what thou givest me of temporal blessings, if thou withholdest from me the blessing of a child; from whom it might be hoped and believed would spring the promised Messiah, in whom all nations of the earth shall be blessed. All my wealth and riches, victories and honours, are of no avail to me, while I am deprived of this favour; and since I am advanced in years, and going the way... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 15:3

And Abram said, behold, to me thou hast given no seed ,.... He had bestowed many temporal blessings on him, as well as spiritual ones, having given himself in covenant, and all things in it, but he had not given him a child: and lo, one born in my house is mine heir ; meaning either Eliezer or his son, whom he had made his heir, or intended to make him, since he had no child; or of course he would have been to, Lot his nephew having no sons; and this Eliezer descending from Aram, the... read more

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