And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? This question did not imply that Abram was staggered at the magnitude of the difficulties which lay in the way of the promises being fulfilled; for, to a reflecting mind like his, several circumstances in his personal experience must have occurred as already pointing to the eventual removal of all others-namely, the protection of Sarai and the separation of Lot, as bearing upon the promise of his posterity; and the conquest of the invading kings upon that of his future possession of the land. At all events, the question is not to be considered as indicating any hesitancy on the part of the patriarch to rely on the divine promise as 'a faithful saying, and worthy of his acceptation;' but rather as prompted by an earnest desire to obtain clearer light, fuller knowledge on a subject of intense and engrossing interest. In short, he put this question in a spirit of genuine, unwavering faith, with a view to receiving a confirmation or seal of the promise; and He who has showed Himself ever ready to satisfy humble and honest inquirers (cf. Judges 6:37-40; 2 Kings 20:8-11; Luke 1:34) was pleased to ratify his promise by a remarkable ceremony.