Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
God encourages Abram. (1)
The Divine promise, Abraham is justified (2–6)
by faith.
God promises Canaan to Abraham for an (7–11)
inheritance.
The promise confirmed in a vision. (12–16)
The promise confirmed by a sign. (17–21)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.
Verses 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, Ro 4:24. Through faith in his blood they
obtain forgiveness of sins.
Verses 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, Jer 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,