Genesis 12:2

The promise, (1) of national greatness, (2) of personal privilege, embraces a double relation, to the world and to the individual.

a great nation This thought stands in the forefront. The personal aspect of the promise made to Abram is from the first merged in the thought of its historic influence throughout the ages.

I will bless thee The experience of happiness in the personal relation to Jehovah is to be the pledge of the ultimate fulfilment of blessing to the world.

make thy name great Contrast Genesis 11:4. The blessing of Abram, in its spiritual influence upon the world, will be of more enduring renown than any of the material forces of the world.

be thou a blessing i.e. one who impersonates true felicity; cf. Zechariah 8:13. Not a source, but a type, of blessing, to be pronounced upon others. The imperative expresses a consequence which is intended (Gesenius, Heb. Gr.§ 110. 1) = "so that thou shalt be a blessing." By a slight alteration of the pointing, Giesebrecht reads "and it (the name) shall be a blessing." For the "curse" of the primaeval age (Genesis 3:13; Genesis 4:11; Genesis 5:29; Genesis 9:25 (J)) is substituted the "blessing" of the Chosen Family.