He believed, &c.— Not only that he should have a child, though his wife was barren, and far advanced in life, as well as himself; but also that his posterity, which seemed extremely improbable, should be, like the stars, innumerable. Assured of the Divine veracity and power, he gave glory to God, and firmly credited upon God's authority what otherwise appeared impossible: and the Lord was so well satisfied with this faith of the patriarch, which gave so much honour to the truth of God, as well as proved so strongly Abram's love and affiance, that he counted or reckoned it for righteousness, or justification to him; fully accepting of him: and that, as St. Paul remarks, before he was circumcised, to shew, that not only the circumcised who believe, but all who are partakers of Abram's faith, shall be justified, fully accepted, esteemed, and treated as righteous before God. See Romans 4. where we shall have an occasion to speak more fully of this circumstance.
REFLECTIONS.—We have in the foregoing verses God's answer to Abram's request.
1. An assurance of a son, not merely born in his house, but of himself: and such a son, whose progeny should vie with the stars of heaven for multitude, and shine as the stars for glory. Note; God is better to us than our fears, and when we almost despair, works most eminently to accomplish his own purposes.
2. Abram's satisfaction in the answer. A thousand doubts of how and when might have arisen; but he regarded not his own age, nor the deadness of Sarah's womb. See, (1.) The nature of faith, an acquiescence in the Divine promise. (2.) The effects of it—patient hope.
3. His faith is counted to him for righteousness: God regarding him as righteous, and signifying it to him for his comfort. Note; (1.) By faith in Jesus Christ alone, the promised Seed, can we be justified before God. (2.) By faith, all the Old Testament saints were accepted, as well as the New. (3.) This is the fundamental doctrine of the Christian religion, and distinguishes it from all systems of mere morality. To err in this, is to err in the fundamentals of Christianity.