Read the Passage: Genesis 15–16

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Genesis 15-16

Abraham’s Faith (15:1–6)

After his rescue of Lot, God again appeared to Abraham in a vision and declared, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Gen. 15:1). Since Abraham had just won a battle, there seemed to be no reason for him to be afraid; yet, from his reply to God, it seems that Abraham was afraid God’s promises to him would not be fulfilled. In particular, it appears Abraham was concerned about the personal aspects of the covenant, since he had no heir (cf. Gen. 12:2; 13:16), as well as perhaps the national aspects of the covenant (cf. Gen. 12:1; 13:14–15). In light of his advanced age and the fact that he was childless, Abraham was concerned that his heir would be Eliezer of Damascus. Since this man is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture by name (cf. Gen. 24), it is likely Eliezer was a loyal servant, whom cultural custom dictated would serve as Abraham’s inheritor.

With his plea regarding the personal aspect of the covenant, it seems that Abraham wanted to know how God intended to fulfill His promises. Yet, in His response, God did not provide many details; rather, he merely assured Abraham, “One who will come from your own body shall be your heir” (Gen. 15:4). Next, God encouraged Abraham by comparing his descendants to the number of stars in the heavens (cf. Gen. 15:5). Recall that earlier at Gen. 13:16 God had compared Abraham’s future offspring to the dust of the earth. Thus, although he was then currently childless, whether Abraham looked to the ground or toward the sky he could be reminded of God’s covenant promise to bless him with descendants. Gen. 15:6 says, “Abraham believed God, and God accounted it to him for righteousness. This verse is quoted later at Rom. 4:3, 22; Gal. 3:6; and Jas. 2:23.

God’s Promise (15:7–21)

In Gen. 15:7 God reiterated the national aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant, as He again promised Abraham the land of Canaan. God’s covenant with Abraham was inaugurated at Gen. 12:1–3, but it is not until Gen. 15:9–21 that the Abrahamic Covenant was ratified. As this passage reports, the ratification process entailed a formal ceremony. Note the following three observations about this covenantal procedure. First, while God and Abraham were both present at the ratification, the fact that Abraham was asleep shows that this covenant was a unilateral agreement. Second, the killing of animals was likely in accord with current cultural practices reflecting the seriousness of the agreement made. Third, God’s appearance as an oven and a torch is meant to display His holiness, and it is in accord with God’s manifestation as a fire later in Scripture (cf. Exod. 3:1–22; 13:21).

Sarah’s Doubt (16:1–16)

Of the fifty chapters in the book of Genesis, chapter 16 is the shortest. Chronologically, this chapter occurs ten years after the Abrahamic Covenant was inaugurated in Gen. 12:1–3. Abraham was now 85 years old, and Sarah was 75. Despite God’s faithfulness to the couple, and His reiteration of the covenant multiple times over the previous decade, this chapter records that Abraham and Sarah were weak in their faith. Indeed, because of their lack of an heir, Abraham and Sarah resorted to the cultural custom of procreating with one of Sarah’s maidservants named Hagar. Observe that Paul later uses this chapter as an illustration of an attempt at works-based righteousness (cf. Gal. 4:21–31). Since Abraham’s impregnating of Hagar was contrary to God’s design for marriage (cf. Gen. 2:24), it is not surprising that tension arose between Hagar and Sarah, resulting in Hagar’s departure.

Gen. 16:7–16 narrates the events that transpired after Hagar departed from the family of Abraham and Sarah. This passage is interesting, as it shows that even though Abraham erred in conceiving Ishmael with Hagar, on account of God’s promises to Abraham about his offspring, God still blessed Hagar’s son. This passage reports that on her flight from Sarah, Hagar encountered the Angel of the Lord who told her to return to Abraham’s family and to submit to Sarah. Additionally, Hagar was informed she would bear a son, whom she was to name Ishmael and, “He shall be a wild man, his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him” (Gen. 16:12). While Hagar may not have been encouraged to learn that her son would be a wild man, her response was to call on the name of God, which was likely an act of worship, and to return to Abraham’s family.

Application Question:

1. Why is it sometimes easier to trust God for eternal salvation, than to believe in His promises related to everyday life?
2. How can Christian leaders best minister to those who grapple with infertility? What options are open to infertile couples?
3. What does it mean that Abraham believed God? What does it mean that God accounted Abraham with righteousness?
4. Are there any areas of your life where you’ve begun to doubt God’s promises on account of His delayed fulfillment?
5. What did the angel mean in foretelling that Ishmael would be a wild man? How did this prophecy come true later in Scripture?