Important notice: Always check out what you hear and see for yourself, as it is up to you as a Christian to do your own studying. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website here, without first always checking it out for yourself. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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.
"After these things" is referring to after the war with the Babylonians and the meeting of Abram with Melchizedek (CHRIST), that we saw from the last chapter. Notice here GOD said, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". See also Ezekiel 44, Ephesians 6:10-20.
2 And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer (= GOD is his help) of Damascus?
Note that Abram is not doubting GOD here, but instead is simply just asking a question. He's wondering how GOD will give him an inheritance considering he does not yet have a child to pass it on to. Remember GOD had already promised him years prior that he would one day be a father of many (Genesis 13:16). At this time, Abram was already way up in age, as well as Sarai his wife.
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
At this time, the only one Abram could possibly pass an inheritance to would be his steward Eliezer. Again, Abram's not doubting that he will have a child, he's just wondering how much longer it will be considering his age. Something to note is that this "heir" mentioned of here was strictly in accordance with law 191 of the code of Khammurabi.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
I.e. GOD is telling Abram that his steward Eliezer will not be his heir but instead Abram's own child that is to be born will be.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Again, GOD is letting Abram know that he is going to be a father of many, to the point he won't even be able to count them. This applies to the twelve tribes of Israel.
6 And he believed in the LORD; and he (GOD) counted it to him for righteousness.
Any time we put our faith in GOD, it makes HIM happy.
7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees (i.e. Babylon [confusion]), to give thee this land to inherit it.
Ultimately our promise land that we look forward to today is the third world age (the eternity) that is to come, once our TRUE CHRIST returns, and the only way for us to get there is through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which is to be of Abram's (Abraham) seed. See Galatians 3:29.
8 And he said, LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
I.e. Abram's wondering how it will come to pass.
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Notice together, these equal five which means grace in Biblical numerics. Notice also GOD commanded Abram to take animals that were of three years of age. Something to think about is that CHRIST's ministry lasted three years and it would be through Abram that CHRIST would eventually come through.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
I.e. Abram made a sacrifice and each animal besides the birds, he divided in half whereby a path between could be made [compare to Jeremiah 34:18-20]. So as we can see, a covenant is being made. All pieces combined makes eight which in Biblical numerics is the number of eternity and new beginnings. Again, we look forward to the eternity and new beginnings with the third world age that is to come, which is our ultimate promise land to those who love and dwell in CHRIST. Just as Abram made a sacrifice, so should we too today sacrifice to GOD by showing our love and taking time to study HIS WORD, whereby we can have the full Gospel armour on [see Ephesians 6:11-18] when satan appears in these end times, at the sixth trumpet, disguised as Jesus. See also "A Warning Against The Rapture". Remember, our sacrifice today is not blood ordinances, but instead simply putting aside the worldly things and showing GOD our love by spending time in HIS WORD (the BIBLE), chapter by chapter and verse by verse, each day, because again, CHRIST became our ultimate sacrifice and our day of rest (Sabbath). We should rest in HIM everyday. See also 1 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 4, Colossians 2.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
Notice Abram drove away these birds of prey that came to disrupt his altar and sacrifice to GOD. Just as Abram drove away these birds of prey (the enemy) and stood up and protected GOD's property, so should we today also stand up and protect GOD's property (HIS WORD) and our sacrifice (time) to HIM, by driving away the enemy when they come to attack and destroy it. Sadly today, not enough CHRISTians across the world are standing up for GOD and by not standing up for GOD, they allow the enemy (satan's people) to corrupt and pollute our laws and land. Some examples include: the ban on prayer and BIBLE study in public schools; removing GOD's law on marriage; doing away with capital punishment; and churches allowing man-made traditions to corrupt them. Many people want to know why so much violence is happening across the world, it's because when you take GOD out of things, it allows the enemy to creep in and take over and that's exactly what's happening today. People push for GOD and HIS WORD to be removed and then they blame HIM for not being there to stop the violence that takes place. As CHRISTians, always stand up for what is right. Stick to GOD's WORD and HIS TRUTH. Do you stand up for what is right, or do you allow corruption, lies, worldly things, and the enemy to distract you from your sacrifice (time and love) to GOD?
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
This "sleep" that fell upon Abram lets us know that Abram had no part in what's about to happen with the covenant taking place, for the covenant was unconditional by GOD to Abram. GOD was the One and only contracting party.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed (i.e. Isaac) shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
We will see this come to pass in Exodus 12. The 400 years mentioned here is what dates from the time of Isaac's birth (Acts 7:6). The 430 years as you will see in Exodus 12:40 is what dates from the time of the "promise" or covenant here made [compare Galatians 3:17] and includes the whole "sojourning".
14 And also that nation (Egypt), whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
As we can see, Abram's descendants will be better off than they were before. With every negative, there is a positive.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
I.e. GOD has promised Abram a pretty long life.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
This marks another corruption of the Canaanite nations through the nephilim and rephaim.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp (symbolic of Israel's deliverance) that passed between those pieces.
This lets us know that GOD accepted Abram's sacrifice because after all, HE is the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land (Before it was "I will". From here on it is "I have"), from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
19 The Kenites (= sons of Cain), and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims (of the second influx of fallen angels [nephilim],
21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.
This lets us know that GOD also gave Abram the land of these ten nations as well that had been occupied by these ten other tribes. The "Jebusites" as you see here, are the one's who founded the city Jebus which is now known as Jerusalem today. GOD gave Abram this land for all eternity. Keep in mind it will be in Jerusalem (Mt. Zion) where GOD sets up his eternal kingdom which leads into the third world age (eternity) which ultimately is our promise land to those who love and serve GOD.
"After these things" is referring to after the war with the Babylonians and the meeting of Abram with Melchizedek (CHRIST), that we saw from the last chapter. Notice here GOD said, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". See also Ezekiel 44, Ephesians 6:10-20.
2 And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer (= GOD is his help) of Damascus?
Note that Abram is not doubting GOD here, but instead is simply just asking a question. He's wondering how GOD will give him an inheritance considering he does not yet have a child to pass it on to. Remember GOD had already promised him years prior that he would one day be a father of many (Genesis 13:16). At this time, Abram was already way up in age, as well as Sarai his wife.
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
At this time, the only one Abram could possibly pass an inheritance to would be his steward Eliezer. Again, Abram's not doubting that he will have a child, he's just wondering how much longer it will be considering his age. Something to note is that this "heir" mentioned of here was strictly in accordance with law 191 of the code of Khammurabi.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
I.e. GOD is telling Abram that his steward Eliezer will not be his heir but instead Abram's own child that is to be born will be.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Again, GOD is letting Abram know that he is going to be a father of many, to the point he won't even be able to count them. This applies to the twelve tribes of Israel.
6 And he believed in the LORD; and he (GOD) counted it to him for righteousness.
Any time we put our faith in GOD, it makes HIM happy.
7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees (i.e. Babylon [confusion]), to give thee this land to inherit it.
Ultimately our promise land that we look forward to today is the third world age (the eternity) that is to come, once our TRUE CHRIST returns, and the only way for us to get there is through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which is to be of Abram's (Abraham) seed. See Galatians 3:29.
8 And he said, LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
I.e. Abram's wondering how it will come to pass.
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Notice together, these equal five which means grace in Biblical numerics. Notice also GOD commanded Abram to take animals that were of three years of age. Something to think about is that CHRIST's ministry lasted three years and it would be through Abram that CHRIST would eventually come through.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
I.e. Abram made a sacrifice and each animal besides the birds, he divided in half whereby a path between could be made [compare to Jeremiah 34:18-20]. So as we can see, a covenant is being made. All pieces combined makes eight which in Biblical numerics is the number of eternity and new beginnings. Again, we look forward to the eternity and new beginnings with the third world age that is to come, which is our ultimate promise land to those who love and dwell in CHRIST. Just as Abram made a sacrifice, so should we too today sacrifice to GOD by showing our love and taking time to study HIS WORD, whereby we can have the full Gospel armour on [see Ephesians 6:11-18] when satan appears in these end times, at the sixth trumpet, disguised as Jesus. See also "A Warning Against The Rapture". Remember, our sacrifice today is not blood ordinances, but instead simply putting aside the worldly things and showing GOD our love by spending time in HIS WORD (the BIBLE), chapter by chapter and verse by verse, each day, because again, CHRIST became our ultimate sacrifice and our day of rest (Sabbath). We should rest in HIM everyday. See also 1 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 4, Colossians 2.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
Notice Abram drove away these birds of prey that came to disrupt his altar and sacrifice to GOD. Just as Abram drove away these birds of prey (the enemy) and stood up and protected GOD's property, so should we today also stand up and protect GOD's property (HIS WORD) and our sacrifice (time) to HIM, by driving away the enemy when they come to attack and destroy it. Sadly today, not enough CHRISTians across the world are standing up for GOD and by not standing up for GOD, they allow the enemy (satan's people) to corrupt and pollute our laws and land. Some examples include: the ban on prayer and BIBLE study in public schools; removing GOD's law on marriage; doing away with capital punishment; and churches allowing man-made traditions to corrupt them. Many people want to know why so much violence is happening across the world, it's because when you take GOD out of things, it allows the enemy to creep in and take over and that's exactly what's happening today. People push for GOD and HIS WORD to be removed and then they blame HIM for not being there to stop the violence that takes place. As CHRISTians, always stand up for what is right. Stick to GOD's WORD and HIS TRUTH. Do you stand up for what is right, or do you allow corruption, lies, worldly things, and the enemy to distract you from your sacrifice (time and love) to GOD?
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
This "sleep" that fell upon Abram lets us know that Abram had no part in what's about to happen with the covenant taking place, for the covenant was unconditional by GOD to Abram. GOD was the One and only contracting party.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed (i.e. Isaac) shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
We will see this come to pass in Exodus 12. The 400 years mentioned here is what dates from the time of Isaac's birth (Acts 7:6). The 430 years as you will see in Exodus 12:40 is what dates from the time of the "promise" or covenant here made [compare Galatians 3:17] and includes the whole "sojourning".
14 And also that nation (Egypt), whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
As we can see, Abram's descendants will be better off than they were before. With every negative, there is a positive.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
I.e. GOD has promised Abram a pretty long life.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
This marks another corruption of the Canaanite nations through the nephilim and rephaim.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp (symbolic of Israel's deliverance) that passed between those pieces.
This lets us know that GOD accepted Abram's sacrifice because after all, HE is the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land (Before it was "I will". From here on it is "I have"), from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
19 The Kenites (= sons of Cain), and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims (of the second influx of fallen angels [nephilim],
21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.
This lets us know that GOD also gave Abram the land of these ten nations as well that had been occupied by these ten other tribes. The "Jebusites" as you see here, are the one's who founded the city Jebus which is now known as Jerusalem today. GOD gave Abram this land for all eternity. Keep in mind it will be in Jerusalem (Mt. Zion) where GOD sets up his eternal kingdom which leads into the third world age (eternity) which ultimately is our promise land to those who love and serve GOD.