Genesis:15

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* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 , Romans strkjv @4:24 . Through faith in his blood they obtain forgiveness of sins . * Verse 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 , Jeremiah strkjv @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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 , Psalms strkjv @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 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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