Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
Genesis 15
the word of the LORD. First occurance of this expression is with the preposition. el, unto, implying action of a person; or, at least, articulate speech.
a vision = the vision. Occurs only 4 times (here, Numbers 24:4, Numbers 24:16; Ezra 13:7).
I am thy shield. Manifested in Genesis 14:13-16 and Genesis 14:17-24. Compare John 8:56. The Incarnate Christ is Faith's shield (Ephesians 6:16).
Lord GOD. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See App-4. First occ, relating to blessing in the earth.
go = am going on.
Behold . . . lo. Figure of speech Asterismos (App-6).
heir. Hebrew. inherits me. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). This was strictly in accordance with 191 of the Code of Kharnmurabi. See App-15.
Look. See note on Genesis 13:14.
now = steadfastly.
stars. See on Genesis 13:16 = the heavenly calling in Israel (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 11:9-16). Figure of speech Paroemia.
number them. Hence Joahs objection in 2 Samuel 24:3.
believed: i.e. believed Jehovah = believed what he "heard" (Romans 10:17).
counted = reckoned or imputed. righteousness. No art. = as righteousness. This was positive imputed righteousness (because he believed concerning Christ). It was more than forensic righteousness, which was negative or nonimputation of sin (Psalms 32:1, Psalms 32:2). This was the consequence of the Gospel preached to Abram. (Compare Galatians 3:8, and read Rom 4and Gal 3).
these. Five, the No. of Grace, because Covenant was unconditional. See App-10.
divided. So Covenants were made (Jeremiah 34:18-20), midst, i.e. in half.
Abram. Put to sleep so that he should have no part in it, and that the Covenant should be unconditional, in which "God was the one" and only contracting party (Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:20). Compare Genesis 15:17. Contrast "both", Genesis 21:27.
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. See App-6.
Know of a surety. Hebrew. knowing thou shalt know. Figure of speech Polyptoton, and note on Genesis 26:28.
thy seed, i.e. Isaac. See note on Genesis 21:12. The 400 years date from Isaac's birth (Acts 7:6). The 430 from the "promise" or Covenant here made (compare Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:17), and include the whole "sojourning" (Exodus 12:40). and shall serve, &c. Figure of speech Epitrechon. See App-6. This is shown by the Structure (Introversion). a | Thy seed shall be a stranger, &c. b | and shall serve them b | and they shall afflict them a | four hundred years. In a and a we have the whole sojourning and duration. In b and b the servitude in Egypt (215 years).
go to thy fathers = die and be buried. Abram's fathers were idolaters. Joshua 24:2. Figure of speech Euphemism (App-6).
fourth = Levi, Kohath, Amram, Moses; (or Levi), Jochebed (born in Egypt).
iniquity. Hebrew. "avon. See App-44.
not yet. Another mark of the corruption of the Canaanite nations through the Nephilim and Rephaim.
furnace. Symbolic of the affliction of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:20. 1 Kings 8:51. Isaiah 31:9. Ezekiel 22:18-22. Jeremiah 11:4).
lamp. Symbolic of Israel's deliverance (1 Kings 11:36; 1 Kings 15:4. Isaiah 62:1. 2 Samuel 21:17).
the LORD. Not Abram (Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:17). See note on Genesis 15:12.
have. Before this it was "I will". From now it is "I have".
this land. Never yet possessed with these boundaries.
Hittites. First occurance. See Exodus 32:2. Joshua 3:10, &c.
Rephaim. Another link in the chain from Genesis 6:4. Compare Genesis 12:6; Genesis 13:7; Genesis 14:5; and see App-23.
Comments