for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. For all the land that you seeThis phrase signifies the vastness of God's promise to Abram. The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which can mean earth, land, or territory. In the context of ancient Near Eastern covenants, land was a critical component of identity and survival. God's promise here is not just about physical territory but also about establishing a place for His people to flourish. The act of seeing implies a divine revelation, where God invites Abram to envision the future He has planned. This promise is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises beyond human limitations. I will give
The phrase "I will give" is a declaration of divine intention and assurance. The Hebrew verb "נָתַן" (natan) means to give, bestow, or grant. This is a unilateral promise from God, emphasizing His grace and generosity. In the ancient world, land was often acquired through conquest or inheritance, but here, God is the one who grants it. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and His role as the ultimate provider. It underscores the idea that the blessings Abram receives are not earned but are gifts from a faithful God. to you and your offspring
The promise extends beyond Abram to his "offspring," which in Hebrew is "זֶרַע" (zera), meaning seed or descendants. This word carries the connotation of continuity and future generations. It highlights the covenantal relationship God establishes with Abram, which is not limited to his lifetime but extends to his lineage. This promise is foundational for the nation of Israel and is fulfilled through the patriarchs and ultimately in the coming of the Messiah. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and His faithfulness to His covenant people. forever
The term "forever" in Hebrew is "עוֹלָם" (olam), which can mean eternal, everlasting, or perpetual. This word indicates the permanence and unchanging nature of God's promise. In a world where kingdoms rise and fall, God's covenant with Abram stands as a testament to His eternal nature and His unchanging purpose. This assurance of an everlasting inheritance points to the ultimate fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of God, where His people will dwell with Him forever. It inspires believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that His word is steadfast and true throughout all generations. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is the recipient of God's promise. He is a man of faith, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. 2. LotAbram's nephew, who traveled with him from Egypt. Their separation due to the abundance of their possessions sets the stage for God's promise to Abram. 3. CanaanThe land that God promises to Abram and his descendants. It is a significant location in biblical history, representing the Promised Land. 4. God's PromiseThe divine assurance given to Abram that his descendants will inherit the land. This promise is foundational to the Abrahamic Covenant. 5. Separation of Abram and LotThe event that precedes God's promise, highlighting the need for Abram to be set apart for God's purposes. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbram's life exemplifies faith in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness. The Eternal Nature of God's PromisesThe promise of land to Abram's descendants is described as "forever," indicating the enduring nature of God's covenants. Separation for God's PurposesJust as Abram separated from Lot, believers may need to make difficult choices to align with God's will and receive His promises. The Significance of the LandThe land of Canaan is not just a physical inheritance but a symbol of God's provision and blessing. It points to the ultimate inheritance believers have in Christ. Generational Impact of FaithAbram's faith had implications for his descendants. Our faith and obedience can have lasting effects on future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abram's response to God's promise in Genesis 13:15 demonstrate his faith, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the promise of land to Abram's descendants connect to the broader account of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament? 3. What can we learn from Abram's separation from Lot about making choices that align with God's purposes for our lives? 4. How does the concept of an "eternal" promise in Genesis 13:15 shape our understanding of God's faithfulness and the nature of His covenants? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite not seeing immediate results. How did that experience strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:7This earlier promise to Abram about his descendants receiving the land is reiterated and expanded in Genesis 13:15. Genesis 15:18-21Further details of the covenant, including the specific boundaries of the land promised to Abram's descendants. Hebrews 11:8-10The New Testament reflection on Abram's faith, emphasizing his obedience and trust in God's promises. Galatians 3:16Paul’s explanation of the promise to Abram, highlighting that it ultimately points to Christ. People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Age, Descendants, Forever, Offspring, Seed, Seeing, SeestDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:15 2203 Christ, titles of
5078 Abraham, significance
5427 nomads Genesis 13:14-15 5704 inheritance, material Genesis 13:14-17 5477 property, land
7258 promised land, early history Genesis 13:15-16 5724 offspring Genesis 13:15-17 4207 land, divine gift Library July 21. "Look from the Place Where Thou Art" (Gen. xiii. 14).
"Look from the place where thou art" (Gen. xiii. 14). Let us now see the blessedness of faith. Our own littleness and nothingness sometimes becomes bondage. We are so small in our own eyes we dare not claim God's mighty promises. We say: "If I could be sure I was in God's way I could trust." This is all wrong. Self-consciousness is a great barrier to faith. Get your eyes on Him and Him alone; not on your faith, but on the Author of your faith; not a half look, but a steadfast, prolonged look, with …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth August 11. "All the Land which Thou Seest" (Gen. xiii. 15).
"All the land which thou seest" (Gen. xiii. 15). The actual provisions of His grace come from the inner vision. He who puts the instinct in the bosom of yonder bird to cross the continent in search of summer sunshine in yonder Southern clime is too good to deceive it, and just as surely as He has put the instinct in its breast, so has He also put the balmy breezes and the vernal sunshine yonder to meet it when it arrives. He who gave to Abraham the vision of the Land of Promise, also said in infinite …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Importance of a Choice
'And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hal; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Land of Promise
"All the Land which thou seest, to thee will I give it."--Gen. xiii. 15. Gertrude of Hellfde, 1330. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 It was as if upon His breast He laid His piercèd hand, And said "To thee, beloved and blest, I give this goodly land." O Land of fountains and of deeps, Of God's exhaustless store-- O blessed Land, where he who reaps Shall never hunger more-- O summer Land, for ever fair With God's unfading flowers; O Land, where spices fill the air, And songs the golden towers-- …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 13:15 NIVGenesis 13:15 NLTGenesis 13:15 ESVGenesis 13:15 NASBGenesis 13:15 KJV
Genesis 13:15 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
