od encourages Abram. (1) The Divine promise, Abraham is
justified by faith. (2-6) God promises Canaan to Abraham for an
inheritance. (7-11) 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, come down upon
our sacrifices, we must drive them away, and seek to attend on
God without distraction.
Verses 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.
Verses 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, (Ps 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.
od encourages Abram. (1) The Divine promise, Abraham is
justified by faith. (2-6) God promises Canaan to Abraham for an
inheritance. (7-11) The promise confirmed in a vision. (12-16)
The promise confirmed by a sign. (17-21)