Genesis 15 Meaning: God’s Covenant with Abram

Learning faith, patience, and God’s promises of blessing.

Genesis 15 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)

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.”

2: And Abram said, “Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?”

3: And Abram said, “Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.”

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.”

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.”

6: And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

7: And he said unto him, “I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”

8: And he said, “Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”

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.”

10: And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds he divided not.

11: And the fowls came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

12: And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

13: And he said unto Abram, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

14: And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.”

15: And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

16: But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

17: And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

18: In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:”

19: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,

20: And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,

21: And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

Memory Verse of the Day:
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6

Table of Contents

Introduction God’s Promise of an Heir Faith and Righteousness God’s Covenant Future Assurance 5-Minute Prayer

Introduction

Genesis 15 is a powerful chapter centered on God’s promises and Abram’s faith. After the challenges and victories of the previous chapter, God reassures Abram, promising to be his shield and his very great reward. Abram honestly expresses his concern about having no heir, and God responds with a life-changing promise—that his own son would become his heir and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.

In one of the most important verses of Scripture, Abram believes God, and it is credited to him as righteousness. This moment shows that our relationship with God is built not on works, but on faith. God then seals His promises through a covenant ceremony, assuring Abram that the land would belong to his descendants, even though fulfillment would come after a season of hardship.

Genesis 15 teaches us about trusting God when His promises seem impossible, waiting patiently for His timing, and believing His word even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

As we begin today’s devotional, may we learn from Abram’s faith—to trust God’s promises fully and to walk in confidence that what He has spoken, He will surely fulfill.

God’s Promise of an Heir (Genesis 15:1-5)

God reassured Abram of an heir despite his childlessness. God’s promises may require patience, but they are trustworthy.

Reflection: Are you trusting God for what seems impossible? Believe in His promises, even when the fulfillment seems distant.

Faith and Righteousness (Genesis 15:6)

Abram believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Faith aligns our hearts with God’s will and brings spiritual reward.

Teaching Point: Faith is trusting God’s promises, not by sight, but by belief in His Word.

God’s Covenant (Genesis 15:7-21)

God formalized His covenant with Abram, outlining the land and future blessings. God’s covenants are unchanging and reliable.

Encouragement: Stand on God’s promises. His Word is your sure foundation and guidance for life.

Future Assurance

God revealed the future challenges and deliverance of Abram’s descendants. God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are certain.

Reflection: Trust God’s timing. He knows what is best, and His promises never fail.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Abram’s example of faith. Teach us to trust Your promises fully and believe in Your Word, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Lord, increase our patience and strengthen our faith, so we can rely on Your timing and guidance. Help us to stand firm in righteousness, believing that You are faithful to fulfill all You have promised.

Father, may we honor You by trusting Your covenant and reflecting faith in our daily lives. Thank You for Your unwavering promises and for counting our faith as righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Genesis 14 Study: Abram Rescues Lot

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Genesis 16 Explained: Hagar, Ishmael, and God’s Care