‘After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I am your shield and your exceeding great reward.'
The phrase ‘after these things' is used elsewhere as a connecting phrase between narratives but always following ‘and it happened'. Thus its use here without ‘and it happened' is distinctive, signifying a specifically closer connection with what goes before. So the covenant about to be received is intended to be directly connected with what precedes it and is Yahweh's response to Abram's behaviour there, especially his refusal to take riches for himself. In the combined collection the two Chapter s are to be seen as one whole with the Melchizedek covenant narrative used as background and explanation to the new covenant.
“The word of Yahweh”. A unique phrase in Genesis for a unique situation. It arises here as a contrast to his covenants with kings. The word of Yahweh is more important than covenants with kings. Here is a word that is permanent, that is everlasting, that is above kings.
It is also a prophetic word that is coming. The prophets constantly received ‘the word of Yahweh'. Here such a word is given to Abram. He is now a prophet (see Genesis 20:7). No wonder he is filled with awe. This is confirmed by the words ‘in a vision' (compare Numbers 12:6). What he is to see is not natural, it can only be seen in vision, for no man can see God and live. He has repudiated earthly riches, now he is to have spiritual riches. We must not underestimate what this meant for Abram and also for his followers. He is their priest, now he is to be a prophet.
“Do not be afraid”. Although it is not yet mentioned this already suggests the beginning of an experience which fills Abram with awe. But he need not fear. Yahweh is his shield and protector so that he need fear nothing (for shield see Psalms 3:3; Psalms 28:7; Psalms 33:20). He is also overflowingly abundantly his treasury above all treasuries and the guarantee of his future prosperity and fruitfulness. He has refused wealth so that none might say they had made Abram rich. Yahweh will therefore Himself assure him of riches of a far greater kind.