Bible Commentaries

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).

Lord GOD. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See Genesis 15:2 and App-4.

Take me = take for me: i.e. an offering for me, heifer. See App-15.

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).

judge. Put by Metonymy (of Cause), for punish.

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.

Ten nations. See App-10.

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.