I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. I will make your offspringThe phrase "I will make" indicates a divine promise and action. In Hebrew, the word used here is "שׂוּם" (sum), which means to set, place, or appoint. This is a direct assurance from God to Abram, emphasizing God's sovereign power to fulfill His promises. The term "offspring" is translated from the Hebrew "זֶרַע" (zera), meaning seed or descendants. This promise is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant, highlighting the future nation that will arise from Abram, which is central to the narrative of the Israelites and their role in God's redemptive plan. like the dust of the earth
The imagery of "dust of the earth" is a powerful metaphor for innumerability. Dust, in the ancient Near Eastern context, was a common element, symbolizing vastness and abundance. This metaphor is used to convey the idea that Abram's descendants will be beyond human ability to count, signifying not only a large number but also a pervasive presence throughout the earth. This promise is both literal, in terms of the physical descendants of Abram, and spiritual, as it points to the multitude of believers who would come to faith through the lineage of Abram, culminating in the coming of Christ. so that if one could count the dust of the earth
This conditional phrase underscores the impossibility of the task. The Hebrew word for "count" is "סָפַר" (safar), which means to number or recount. The rhetorical nature of this statement emphasizes the vastness of God's promise. Historically, this reflects the ancient understanding of God's blessings as being beyond human comprehension or limitation. It serves as a reminder of God's infinite power and the boundless nature of His promises. then your offspring could be counted
The conclusion of this verse reiterates the promise's magnitude. The phrase "could be counted" again uses the Hebrew "סָפַר" (safar), reinforcing the idea that God's blessings are immeasurable. This promise to Abram is not just about physical descendants but also about the spiritual legacy that would extend through the ages. It points to the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed, as Abram's spiritual offspring would include all who come to faith in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is the recipient of God's promise. He is a patriarch of the faith, known for his obedience and faith in God's promises. 2. GodThe divine speaker in this passage, God is making a covenantal promise to Abram regarding his descendants. 3. CanaanThe land where Abram is residing at the time of this promise. It is significant as the land promised to Abram's descendants. 4. LotAbram's nephew, who has just separated from Abram, choosing the fertile plains of Jordan, while Abram remains in Canaan. 5. The Dust of the EarthA metaphor used by God to describe the innumerable nature of Abram's future descendants. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbram's life exemplifies faith in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems impossible. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's word and timing. God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessThis passage highlights God's sovereign plan and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, reminding believers of His unchanging nature. Spiritual DescendantsWhile the promise to Abram was physical, it also has a spiritual dimension, as believers in Christ are considered Abraham's spiritual descendants. Patience and ObedienceAbram's journey teaches the importance of patience and obedience in the life of faith, as God's promises often unfold over time. Legacy of FaithAbram's account encourages believers to consider the legacy of faith they are building for future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of descendants "like the dust of the earth" challenge us to think about God's ability to fulfill His promises in our lives? 2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abram in the New Testament, particularly in the context of spiritual descendants? 3. How does Abram's faith journey inspire us to trust God in uncertain circumstances? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate patience and obedience in our walk with God, as Abram did? 5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a legacy of faith for future generations, similar to Abram's legacy? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:5God reiterates His promise to Abram, comparing his descendants to the stars in the sky, emphasizing the vastness of his lineage. Genesis 22:17God again promises Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars and the sand on the seashore, reinforcing the promise of a great nation. Galatians 3:29Paul connects believers in Christ to Abraham's seed, showing the spiritual fulfillment of God's promise through faith. Hebrews 11:12The author of Hebrews reflects on the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, noting the multitude of his descendants. People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Able, Anyone, Count, Counted, Descendants, Dust, Numbered, Offspring, SeedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:16 4050 dust
8257 fruitfulness, natural 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 13:16 NIVGenesis 13:16 NLTGenesis 13:16 ESVGenesis 13:16 NASBGenesis 13:16 KJV
Genesis 13:16 Commentaries
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