‏ Genesis 15

* God encourages Abram. (1) The Divine promise, Abraham is

justified by faith. (2-6) God promises Canaan to Abraham for an

inheritance. (7-11) The promise confirmed in a vision. (12-16)

The promise confirmed by a sign. (17-21)

1 God assured Abram of safety and happiness; that he should for

ever be safe. I am thy shield; or, I am a shield to thee,

present with thee, actually caring for thee. The consideration

that God himself is, and will be a shield to his people, to

secure them from all evils, a shield ready to them, and a shield

round about them, should silence all perplexing, tormenting

fears. 2-6 Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to

complain to him; and to state all our grievances. It is ease to

a burdened spirit, to open its case to a faithful and

compassionate friend. Abram's complaint is, that he had no

child; that he was never likely to have any; that the want of a

son was so great a trouble to him, that it took away all his

comfort. If we suppose that Abram looked no further than outward

comfort, this complaint was to be blamed. But if we suppose that

Abram herein had reference to the promised Seed, his desire was

very commendable. Till we have evidence of our interest in

Christ, we should not rest satisfied; what will all avail me, if

I go Christless? If we continue instant in prayer, yet pray with

humble submission to the Divine will, we shall not seek in vain.

God gave Abram an express promise of a son. Christians may

believe in God with respect to the common concerns of this life;

but the faith by which they are justified, always has respect to

the person and work of Christ. Abram believed in God as

promising Christ; they believe in him as having raised him from

the dead, #Ro 4:24|. Through faith in his blood they obtain

forgiveness of sins. 7-11 Assurance was given to Abram of the land of Canaan for an

inheritance. God never promises more than he is able to perform,

as men often do. Abram did as God commanded him. He divided the

beasts in the midst, according to the ceremony used in

confirming covenants, #Jer 34:18,19|. Having prepared according

to God's appointment, he set himself to wait for the sign God

might give him. A watch must be kept upon our spiritual

sacrifices. When vain thoughts, like these fowls, come down upon

our sacrifices, we must drive them away, and seek to attend on

God without distraction. 12-16 A deep sleep fell upon Abram; with this sleep a horror of

great darkness fell upon him: a sudden change. The children of

light do not always walk in the light. Several things were then

foretold. 1. The suffering state of Abram's seed for a long

time. They shall be strangers. The heirs of heaven are strangers

on earth. They shall be servants; but Canaanites serve under a

curse, the Hebrews under a blessing. They shall be suffers.

Those that are blessed and beloved of God, are often sorely

afflicted by wicked men. 2. The judgment of the enemies of

Abram's seed. Though God may allow persecutors and oppressors to

trample upon his people a great while, he will certainly reckon

with them at last. 3. That great event, the deliverance of

Abram's seed out of Egypt, is here foretold. 4. Their happy

settlement in Canaan. They shall come hither again. The measure

of sin fills gradually. Some people's measure of sin fills

slowly. The knowledge of future events would seldom add to our

comfort. In the most favoured families, and most happy lives,

there are so many afflictions, that it is merciful in God to

conceal what will befall us and ours. 17-21 The smoking furnace and the burning lamp, probably

represented the Israelites' severe trials and joyful

deliverance, with their gracious supports in the mean time. It

is probable that this furnace and lamp, which passed between the

pieces, burned and consumed them, and so completed the

sacrifice, and testified God's acceptance of it. So it intimates

that God's covenants with man are made by sacrifice, #Ps 50:5|.

And we may know that he accepts our sacrifices, if he kindles in

our souls pious and devout affections. The bounds of the land

granted are stated. Several nations, or tribes, are spoken of,

that must be cast out to make room for the seed of Abram. In

this chapter we perceive in Abram faith struggling against, and

triumphing over, unbelief. Wonder not, believers, if you meet

with seasons of darkness and distress. But it is not the will of

God that you should be cast down: fear not; for all that he was

to Abram he will be to you.