Genesis 15:2
But Abram replied, "O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"
But Abram replied
This phrase introduces Abram's response to God's promise. The Hebrew word for "replied" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote a thoughtful or significant response. Abram's reply is not one of disbelief but rather a sincere inquiry, reflecting a deep, personal relationship with God. It shows Abram's faith and his willingness to engage in dialogue with the Divine, a model for believers to bring their concerns and questions to God.

Lord GOD
The Hebrew here is "אֲדֹנָי יֱהוִה" (Adonai Yahweh), a combination that emphasizes both the sovereignty and the covenantal faithfulness of God. "Adonai" signifies master or ruler, while "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, often associated with His eternal and unchanging nature. This dual title reflects Abram's recognition of God's authority and His personal relationship with him, acknowledging God as both ruler and covenant partner.

what can You give me
Abram's question is not one of doubt but of seeking understanding. The Hebrew word "תִּתֶּן" (titten) implies a request for something tangible or specific. Abram is aware of God's promises but is seeking clarity on how they will manifest, given his current circumstances. This reflects a common human experience of wrestling with the timing and method of God's promises.

since I remain childless
The Hebrew word "עֲרִירִי" (ariri) means childless or barren. In the ancient Near Eastern context, having descendants was crucial for legacy and inheritance. Abram's concern highlights the cultural and personal significance of offspring, which was tied to one's identity and future security. His childlessness is a significant obstacle in his mind to the fulfillment of God's promise of numerous descendants.

and the heir of my house
The term "heir" in Hebrew is "בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק" (ben-mesheq), which refers to a steward or manager of one's household. In the absence of a biological heir, a trusted servant could become the inheritor. This reflects the legal customs of the time, where inheritance could pass to a servant if no direct offspring were available, underscoring Abram's concern about the continuation of his lineage.

is Eliezer of Damascus
Eliezer, whose name means "God is my help," is identified as being from Damascus, a significant city in the ancient Near East. This detail suggests that Eliezer was a foreigner, yet trusted enough to be considered Abram's potential heir. The mention of Eliezer highlights Abram's lack of a biological heir and his reliance on God's promise to provide one, emphasizing the tension between current reality and divine promise.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abram
Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, Abram is expressing his concern about having no offspring to inherit God's promises.

2. Lord GOD
This refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Abram.

3. Eliezer of Damascus
He is mentioned as the potential heir of Abram's estate. Eliezer is a servant in Abram's household, highlighting Abram's concern about not having a biological heir.

4. Childlessness
This is a significant theme in Abram's life, as God's promise to make him a great nation seems impossible without an heir.

5. Damascus
A city in Syria, indicating the geographical context and possibly the origin of Eliezer.
Teaching Points
Faith Amidst Doubt
Abram's question to God shows that even the faithful can experience doubt. It's important to bring our concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His promises.

God's Sovereignty
The use of "Lord GOD" reminds us of God's ultimate authority and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Patience in God's Timing
Abram's situation teaches us the importance of waiting on God's timing. His promises may not be fulfilled immediately, but they are sure.

The Role of Heirs
In biblical times, having an heir was crucial for the continuation of one's legacy. This highlights the importance of spiritual legacy in our lives today.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when God's plan seems unclear, like Abram, we are called to trust that He is working for our good and His glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Abram's question in Genesis 15:2 reflect his understanding of God's promise in Genesis 12:1-3?

2. In what ways can we relate to Abram's feelings of doubt or uncertainty about God's promises in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of an heir in Abram's time compare to the spiritual legacy we are called to leave today?

4. What can we learn from Abram's approach to God with his concerns, and how can we apply this in our prayer life?

5. How do the New Testament reflections on Abraham's faith (e.g., Romans 4, Hebrews 11) encourage us in our walk with God today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-3
God's initial promise to Abram to make him a great nation, which sets the stage for Abram's concern about having no heir.

Genesis 17:1-8
God's covenant with Abram, where He changes Abram's name to Abraham and reiterates the promise of numerous descendants.

Romans 4:18-21
Paul's reflection on Abraham's faith, emphasizing his belief in God's promise despite his and Sarah's old age.

Hebrews 11:8-12
The faith chapter, which highlights Abraham's faith in God's promises, even when they seemed impossible.
Abram's FearJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 15:2-3
FaithR.A. Redford Genesis 15
People
Abram, Amorites, Canaanites, Eliezer, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Jebusites, Kadmonites, Kenites, Kenizzites, Perizzites, Rephaites
Places
Damascus, Egypt, Euphrates River, Ur, Valley of Shaveh
Topics
Abram, Acquired, Child, Childless, Continue, Damascus, Demmesek, Eliezer, Elie'zer, Estate, Heir, Hence, Inherit, O, Possessor, Seeing, Sovereign, Steward, Wealth, Wilt
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 15:2

     1235   God, the LORD
     5414   money, stewardship

Genesis 15:1-5

     1443   revelation, OT

Genesis 15:1-6

     6674   imputation

Genesis 15:1-21

     5076   Abraham, life of

Genesis 15:2-3

     5724   offspring
     5811   compromise

Genesis 15:2-4

     5704   inheritance, material

Genesis 15:2-5

     8615   prayer, doubts

Library
God's Covenant with Abram
'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. And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness. 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. And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And He said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
Referring to the chapter before us for a preface to our subject, note that after Abram's calling his faith proved to be of the most practical kind. Being called to separate himself from his kindred and from his country, he did not therefore become a recluse, a man of ascetic habits, or a sentimentalist, unfit for the battles of ordinary life--no; but in the noblest style of true manliness he showed himself able to endure the household trouble and the public trial which awaited him. Lot's herdsmen
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 14: 1868

Our Status.
"And he believed in the Lord: and he counted it to him for righteousness." --Gen. xv. 6. The right touches a man's status. So long as the law has not proven him guilty, has not convicted and sentenced him, his legal status is that of a free and law-abiding citizen. But as soon as his guilt is proven in court and the jury has convicted him, he passes from that into the status of the bound and law-breaking citizen. The same applies to our relation to God. Our status before God is that either of the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Kate Lee's Secret
Of Kate Lee General Bramwell Booth writes, 'She was one of those conquering souls who seldom look like a conqueror. She presented an extraordinary contrast. She was weak, and yet she was strong. She was poor, and yet she was one of the richest. She was intensely human, with many of the most marked limitations which belong to the human, and yet she was in an extraordinary degree spiritual, yes, even divine.' These contrasts were clear to all and puzzling to many. Not a few people both in and outside
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

God's People in the Furnace
And the first observation I shall make will be this: all persons in the furnace of affliction are not chosen. The text says, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction," and it implies that there may be, and there doubtless are, some in the furnace who are not chosen. How many persons there are who suppose that because they are tried, afflicted, and tempted, therefore they are the children of God, whereas they are no such thing. It is a great truth that every child of God is afflicted; but
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Evil Thoughts.
19th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 4. "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" INTRODUCTION.--Thoughts are only thoughts! who is to beheld accountable for them? They are clouds blown about by fancy, taking various shapes. God is not so hard as to judge us for our thoughts; He will try us by what we have done, not by what we have dreamed. No garden is without weeds; there are tares in every cornfield. Who speak thus? Is it those who are conscientious and scrupulous to drive away evil thoughts?
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
FOREMOST amongst those who, wondering, had heard what the shepherds told, was she whom most it concerned, who laid it up deepest in her heart, and brought to it treasured stores of memory. It was the Mother of Jesus. These many months, all connected with this Child could never have been far away form her thoughts. And now that He was hers yet not hers - belonged, yet did not seem to belong, to her - He would be the more dear to her Mother-heart for what made Him so near, and yet parted Him so far
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Letter xxxvi. To Pope Damasus.
Jerome's reply to the foregoing. For the second and fourth questions he refers Damasus to the writings of Tertullian, Novatian, and Origen. The remaining three he deals with in detail. Gen. iv. 15, he understands to mean "the slayer of Cain shall complete the sevenfold vengeance which is to be wreaked upon him." Exodus xiii. 18, he proposes to reconcile with Gen. xv. 16, by supposing that in the one place the tribe of Levi is referred to, in the other the tribe of Judah. He suggests, however, that
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
(Revelation, Chapter i.) "Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside, So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified." "The Lord Christ passed my humble cot: I knew him, yet I knew him not; But as I oft had done before, I hurried through my narrow door To touch His garment's hem. "He drew me to a place apart From curious crowd and noisy mart; And as I sat there at His feet I caught the thrill of His heart-beat Beyond His garment's hem. "Rare was the bread He broke
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

He Severely Reproves Abaelard for Scrutinizing Rashly and Impiously, and Extenuating the Power Of, the Secret Things of God.
He severely reproves Abaelard for scrutinizing rashly and impiously, and extenuating the power of, the secret things of God. 17. This is the righteousness of man in the blood of the Redeemer: which this son of perdition, by his scoffs and insinuations, is attempting to render vain; so much so, that he thinks and argues that the whole fact that the Lord of Glory emptied Himself, that He was made lower than the angels, that He was born of a woman, that He lived in the world, that He made trial of our
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40),
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Its Evidence
In Romans 3:28 the Apostle Paul declared "that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law," and then produces the case of Abraham to prove his assertion. But the Apostle James, from the case of the same Abraham, draws quite another conclusion, saying, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24). This is one of the "contradictions in the Bible" to which infidels appeal in support of their unbelief. But the Christian, however difficult he finds
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

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

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