Genesis Chapter 15

God's Covenant with Abram

(Romans 4:1-12; Galatians 3:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-19; James 2:14-26)

1After 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.

2And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4And, 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. 5And 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. 6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 7And 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.

God Confirms His Promise

(Numbers 34:1-15; Romans 4:13-25)

8And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9And 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. 10And 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. 11And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

12And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

17And 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.

18In 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:

19The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, 21And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

God’s Covenant with Abram
(Romans 4:1–12; Hebrews 11:8–19)

1 After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

2 Abram said, “Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram said, “Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir.” 4 Behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir, but he who will come out of your own body will be your heir.” 5 Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “So shall your seed be.” 6 He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness. 7 He said to him, “I am Yahweh who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give you this land to inherit it.”

God Confirms His Promise
(Numbers 34:1–15; Romans 4:13–25)

8 He said, “Lord Yahweh, how will I know that I will inherit it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 He brought him all of these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn’t divide the birds. 11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

12 When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. Now terror and great darkness fell on him. 13 He said to Abram, “Know for sure that your seed will live as foreigners in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them. They will afflict them four hundred years. 14 I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward they will come out with great wealth, 15 but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried in a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.”

17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.

18 In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:

19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

God’s Covenant with Abram
(Romans 4:1–12; Hebrews 11:8–19)

1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield,

your very great reward.”

2 But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

4 Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5 And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” a

6 Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. b

7 The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

God Confirms His Promise
(Numbers 34:1–15; Romans 4:13–25)

8 But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”

9 And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”

10 So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half. 11 And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. 12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.

13 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions. c 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”

Footnotes:

5 a Cited in Romans 4:18
6 b Cited in Romans 4:3, Romans 4:22, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23
14 c Cited in Acts 7:6–7

God's Covenant with Abram

(Romans 4:1-12; Galatians 3:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-19; James 2:14-26)

1After these things hath the word of Jehovah been unto Abram in a vision, saying, 'Fear not, Abram, I am a shield to thee, thy reward is exceeding great.'

2And Abram saith, 'Lord Jehovah, what dost Thou give to me, and I am going childless? and an acquired son in my house is Demmesek Eliezer.' 3And Abram saith, 'Lo, to me Thou hast not given seed, and lo, a domestic doth heir me.' 4And lo, the word of Jehovah is unto him, saying, 'This one doth not heir thee; but he who cometh out from thy bowels, he doth heir thee;' 5and He bringeth him out without, and saith, 'Look attentively, I pray thee, towards the heavens, and count the stars, if thou art able to count them;' and He saith to him, 'Thus is thy seed.' 6And he hath believed in Jehovah, and He reckoneth it to him -- righteousness. 7And He saith unto him, 'I am Jehovah who brought thee out from Ur of the Chaldees, to give to thee this land to possess it;'

God Confirms His Promise

(Numbers 34:1-15; Romans 4:13-25)

8and he saith, 'Lord Jehovah, whereby do I know that I possess it?' 9And He saith unto him, 'Take for Me a heifer of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, and a turtle-dove, and a young bird;' 10and he taketh to him all these, and separateth them in the midst, and putteth each piece over against its fellow, but the bird he hath not divided; 11and the ravenous birds come down upon the carcases, and Abram causeth them to turn back.

12And the sun is about to go in, and deep sleep hath fallen upon Abram, and lo, a terror of great darkness is falling upon him; 13and He saith to Abram, 'knowing -- know that thy seed is a sojourner in a land not theirs, and they have served them, and they have afflicted them four hundred years, 14and the nation also whom they serve I judge, and after this they go out with great substance; 15and thou -- thou comest in unto thy fathers in peace; thou art buried in a good old age; 16and the fourth generation doth turn back hither, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.'

17And it cometh to pass -- the sun hath gone in, and thick darkness hath been -- and lo, a furnace of smoke, and a lamp of fire, which hath passed over between those pieces.

18In that day hath Jehovah made with Abram a covenant, saying, 'To thy seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Phrat,

19with the Kenite, and the Kenizzite, and the Kadmonite, 20and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Rephaim, 21and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Girgashite, and the Jebusite.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 15?

1.1Introduction to Genesis 15

1.2Context of Genesis 15

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Genesis 15 Unique Insights

1.6Genesis 15 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Genesis 15 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Genesis 15 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 15?

Introduction to Genesis 15

Genesis 15 stands as one of the most pivotal chapters in all of Scripture, marking the formal establishment of God’s covenant with Abram (later Abraham). This remarkable passage showcases an intimate dialogue between God and Abram, addressing the patriarch’s deepest concerns about his destiny and legacy. The chapter revolves around two primary themes: the promise of an heir and the formal ratification of the covenant, featuring one of the most mysterious and significant covenant ceremonies in the Bible.

Context of Genesis 15

Following Abram’s dramatic rescue of Lot and his encounter with Melchizedek in Genesis 14, chapter 15 opens with God addressing Abram’s unspoken fears and doubts. This personal divine encounter comes at a crucial moment in Abram’s journey of faith, as he grapples with the seeming impossibility of God’s promises in light of his continued childlessness.

Within the broader narrative of Genesis, this chapter serves as a cornerstone in the development of God’s redemptive plan. It builds upon the initial promises made to Abram in Genesis 12 and anticipates the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21. The covenant ceremony described here becomes a reference point throughout Scripture, establishing the foundation for Israel’s understanding of their relationship with יהוה (Yahweh) and their future possession of the Promised Land.

Ancient Key Word Study

Shield (מָגֵן, magen): This military term in verse 1 depicts God as a protective covering. Unlike common ancient near eastern deities who were often unreliable protectors, יהוה presents Himself as Abram’s personal defender and security.
Reward (שָׂכָר, sakar): The term implies both compensation and consequence, suggesting not merely material blessing but a deeply meaningful purpose and outcome to Abram’s faithfulness.
Believed (וְהֶאֱמִן, ve’he’emin): This pivotal word in verse 6 comes from the root aman, sharing the same root as “amen.” It conveys the idea of finding support and stability in God’s promises, rather than mere intellectual assent.
Counted (חָשַׁב, chashav): Used in verse 6, this accounting term suggests a legal declaration. God formally credits or imputes righteousness to Abram’s account based on his faith.
Cut (כָּרַת, karat): The technical term for making a covenant, literally meaning “to cut,” reflects the ancient practice of cutting animals for covenant ceremonies, symbolizing the serious consequences of breaking the agreement.
Covenant (בְּרִית, berit): This foundational term represents a binding agreement, but uniquely in this context, it’s a unilateral covenant where God alone passes between the pieces, taking full responsibility for its fulfillment.
Horror (אֵימָה, eimah): The term describes overwhelming dread or terror in verse 12, often associated with divine encounters, indicating the awesome nature of this covenant-making ceremony.
Smoking Fire Pot (תַנּוּר עָשָׁן, tanur ashan): These symbols represent God’s presence, reminiscent of the pillar of cloud and fire that would later guide Israel, showing continuity in God’s self-revelation.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s “After these things” (אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה) was chosen over simpler temporal markers to emphasize the connection with previous events, particularly Abram’s rejection of the king of Sodom’s offer, showing God’s approval of Abram’s choices.
The phrase “Do not fear” (אַל־תִּירָא) in verse 1 uses the same construction found in prophetic literature, elevating this private conversation to the level of prophetic revelation.
God’s self-identification as “shield” was specifically chosen over “king” or “warrior,” emphasizing His protective rather than militant relationship with Abram at this moment.
The statement “your reward shall be very great” uses the emphatic Hebrew construction (הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד) to stress the supernatural magnitude of the promise.
The term “righteousness” (צְדָקָה) in verse 6 was chosen over terms for ritual or legal correctness, emphasizing the relational aspect of Abram’s faith.
The description of animals being “cut in two” uses precise sacrificial terminology, connecting this ceremony to later Levitical practices.
The prophecy of 400 years uses round numbers rather than the precise 430 years mentioned in Exodus 12:40, suggesting this was meant as an approximate timeframe for Abram’s understanding.

Genesis 15 Unique Insights

The covenant ceremony described in this chapter follows an ancient near eastern practice known as “cutting a covenant,” but with a stunning twist. Normally, both parties would walk between the pieces, signifying their mutual obligations. However, in this ceremony, only God (represented by the smoking fire pot and flaming torch) passes between the pieces, while Abram is in a deep sleep. This unprecedented unilateral action demonstrates God’s unconditional commitment to fulfill His promises.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

Early rabbinic literature, particularly the Midrash Rabbah, connects the animals chosen for the covenant with future kingdoms that would oppress Israel. The three-year-old heifer represents Babylon, the goat symbolizes Greece, the ram represents Persia, and the birds represent Rome and other kingdoms. While this interpretation is extra-biblical, it reflects the Jewish understanding of this ceremony as both immediate and prophetic in significance.

The timing of this covenant at night, with Abram counting stars and experiencing deep darkness, carries profound symbolism. The rabbis teach that this timing represented Israel’s future periods of darkness and exile, with God’s presence (symbolized by the fire) remaining constant through all circumstances.

Genesis 15 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter contains one of the most significant verses connecting the Old and New Testaments: “And he believed in the LORD, and He counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). The Apostle Paul uses this verse as the cornerstone of his teaching on justification by faith in Romans 4 and Galatians 3, showing that salvation has always been by faith, not works.

The covenant ceremony itself foreshadows the Messiah’s work on the cross. Just as God alone passed between the pieces, taking full responsibility for the covenant’s fulfillment, so Yeshua alone bore the full weight of our salvation. The deep sleep that fell on Abram parallels the death of the Messiah, and the horror of great darkness prefigures the darkness that covered the land during the crucifixion.

Genesis 15 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes reverberate throughout Scripture. The promise of numerous offspring echoes in the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7), the growth of Israel (Exodus 1:7), and ultimately in the spiritual children of Abraham through faith (Galatians 3:7).

The prophetic vision of Israel’s bondage and exodus is fulfilled in Exodus 12:40-41. The covenant ceremony’s imagery appears in Jeremiah 34:18-19 as a reminder of covenant obligations.

Hebrews 6:13-18 references this covenant when discussing God’s unchangeable promises, emphasizing the certainty of divine faithfulness.

Genesis 15 Devotional

This chapter calls us to examine our own faith journey. Like Abram, we may find ourselves questioning God’s promises or feeling that our current circumstances contradict His word. Yet God meets us in those moments of doubt, just as He met Abram, providing reassurance and renewed vision.

The timing of God’s appearance to Abram – “after these things” – reminds us that God often speaks most clearly after periods of testing or trial. When we, like Abram, choose faithfulness over immediate gain, God reveals Himself as our “very great reward.”

Consider how God crediting righteousness to Abram through faith demonstrates the timeless principle that our relationship with God is based not on our perfect performance but on our trust in His perfect faithfulness. This truth should both humble and encourage us in our daily walk with Him.

Did You Know

The phrase “Do not fear” appears for the first time in the Bible in this chapter, beginning a pattern of divine comfort that appears 365 times throughout Scripture.
The covenant ceremony described here is known in Hebrew as “brit bein habetarim” (covenant between the pieces) and is unique in the Bible for its one-sided nature.
The animals chosen for the covenant ceremony were all later used in Levitical sacrifices, foreshadowing Israel’s sacrificial system.
The age of the animals (three years old) may symbolize the three generations that would pass before the exodus from Egypt.
The deep sleep (tardemah) that fell on Abram is the same word used for Adam’s sleep during the creation of Eve, suggesting a similarly momentous divine action.
The smoking fire pot and flaming torch represent common ancient near eastern symbols of divine presence, similar to those used in Egyptian and Mesopotamian traditions.
The prophecy of 400 years of affliction was fulfilled to the exact day, according to Exodus 12:41.
The boundaries described for the Promised Land were briefly realized during Solomon’s reign but await their complete fulfillment in the Messianic age.
This is the first explicit mention of the Amorites in Scripture, introducing a theme of divine patience with human wickedness that runs throughout the Bible.

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Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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