Genesis 15:1 - Meaning and Application

Observe here, first, the time when God made this covenant with Abram: “After these things.” This was after Abram’s generous act of charity, when he rescued his neighbors and friends from trouble without asking payment or reward. After that, God gave him this gracious visit. Those who show kindness to people will find kindness from God.

It was also after Abram’s victory over the four kings. God seemed to meet him then so he would not become proud or overjoyed with that success. Instead, God reminded him that better things were waiting for him. A life focused on spiritual blessings is a good way to keep us from becoming too attached to earthly comforts. The gifts of common providence, that is, God’s ordinary care in this life, are nothing compared with the gifts of his covenant love.

Second, notice the way God spoke with Abram. “The word of the Lord came to Abram,” meaning God made himself and his will known to him, “in a vision.” This meant Abram was awake, and there may have been some visible sign of God’s glory, or some clear token of his presence. God’s ways of revealing himself fit our life in a world where we depend on our senses.

Third, see the kind assurance God gave him of his favor.

God called him by name, “Abram.” This was a great honor, since it showed personal attention from God and made his name greater still. It was also a strong help to Abram’s faith. God’s word does us good when his Spirit speaks it to us personally and brings it home to our hearts. The Scripture says, “Ho, every one” (Isaiah 55:1), but the Spirit says, “Ho, you in particular.”

God also warned him not to be troubled or shaken. “Fear not, Abram.” Abram may have feared that the four kings he had defeated would gather again and come against him. God answered, “No. Do not fear their revenge or your neighbors’ envy. I will take care of you.” Even strong faith can still have many fears (2 Corinthians 7:5). God notices his people’s fears, even the ones hidden from others, and he knows their hearts (Psalm 31:7). It is God’s will that his people should not give in to lasting fear, whatever happens. Let sinners in Zion be afraid, but Abram need not fear.

God also assured him of safety and happiness, and that he would always have both. First, he would be as safe as God himself could make him: “I am your shield.” That is, God himself would be present with him and actively caring for him. He was not only the God of Israel, but a God to Israel. The thought that God himself is, and will be, a shield for his people should be enough to quiet all painful and troubling fears. He is a shield to protect them from every destroying evil, a shield ready for them and a shield all around them.

Second, Abram would be as happy as God himself could make him: “I will be your exceedingly great reward.” God was not only promising to reward Abram, but saying that he himself would be the reward. Abram had refused the gifts offered by the king of Sodom, and God now told him he would not lose anything by that choice. The rewards of believing obedience and self-denial are truly great (Colossians 2:9). God himself is the chosen and promised happiness of holy souls, chosen in this world and promised in the next. He is the portion of their inheritance and their cup.