Gen 12:2-3, 15:5 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 2. I will make of thee a great nation ] i.e., The Jewish people; and make thy name great , alluding to the change of his name from Abram , a high father, to Abraham , the father of a multitude.

‏ Genesis 12:2-3

Verse 2. I will make of thee a great nation] i.e., The Jewish people; and make thy name great, alluding to the change of his name from Abram, a high father, to Abraham, the father of a multitude.

Verse 3. In thee] In thy posterity, in the Messiah, who shall spring from thee, shall all families of the earth be blessed; for as he shall take on him human nature from the posterity of Abraham, he shall taste death for every man, his Gospel shall be preached throughout the world, and innumerable blessings be derived on all mankind through his death and intercession.

‏ Genesis 15:5

Verse 5. Look now toward heaven] It appears that this whole transaction took place in the evening; See Clarke on Ge 13:14. Abram had either two visions, that recorded in Ge 15:1, and that in Ge 15:12, &c.; or what is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter is a part of the occurrences which took place after the sacrifice mentioned Ge 15:9, &c.: but it is more likely that there was a vision of that kind already described, and afterwards a second, in which he received the revelation mentioned Ge 15:13-16. After the first vision he is brought forth abroad to see if he can number the stars; and as he finds this impossible, he is assured that as they are to him innumerable, so shall his posterity be; and that all should spring from one who should proceed from his own bowels-one who should be his own legitimate child.