CONTENTS
In the two former Chapter s, we find many tokens of God's gracious intention towards Abram. In this Chapter God confirms the same by the solemn treaty of a covenant. Abram had the most delightful assurances given to him by a faithful God; and all folded up within a covenant of promise. A bountiful God, not only pledged himself to give the Patriarch an extensive estate, but an extensive issue to enjoy it. And as these blessings of the promised seed and the promised land, spiritually considered, were types of better things to come, even the Lord Jesus Christ as the seed of the woman, and the heavenly possession through him which Canaan represented; they serve to teach us, under the gospel state, the greater privilege of those who are blessed with faithful Abram.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Several precious things are contained in this verse. Observe the expression how the Lord communed with Abram. Is not Jesus the uncreated word? Might not this vision be some manifestation of the Shechinah? Observe also, the Lord called Abram by name: so Jesus speaks to his sheep. John 10:3. Observe also, the sweetness of divine communications, Fear not. God's people are peculiarly exposed to fears. And if they had no fears to encounter, many precious promises in the covenant would have no place for exercise. Observe also, what the Lord promiseth, not only to defend, but to bless; not simply to reward, but himself to be the reward, and that exceedingly great. Psalms 84:2; Psalms 84:2.