Genesis 15:1-21

God's Promise To Protect

Abram may have faced threats from those around him, but God assured him that he was his shield (Genesis 15:1). That is, God stood ready to protect him like a shield would in battle. Israel received a similar promise (Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 7:10; Proverbs 2:6-7; Proverbs 30:5). David, while fleeing from Absalom, relied on God's ability to protect him (Psalms 3:3).

God's promise of protection evidently reminded Abram he did not have any children. He evidently grew impatient to know how God would keep his promise of making him a great nation. In fact, he complained to God because he did not have a child as promised. He wondered if his steward, Eliezer, would be his heir (15:2-3). God eased his doubts by telling him it would be his own seed (15:4-5).

The Lord also told Abram he would give the land to him. As one proof the promise would be fulfilled, God made a covenant with Abram (15:6-11). Further, God foretold the four hundred years of bondage Abram's descendants would experience in Egypt. The Lord promised to bring them out with great possessions. He then clearly stated the borders of the land Abram's seed would possess (15:12-21).