mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 15.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xvi" n="xvi" next="Gen.xvii" prev="Gen.xv" progress="12.01%" title="Chapter XV">
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<h2 id="Gen.xvi-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xvi-p0.2">CHAP. XV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xvi-p1">In this chapter we have a solemn treaty between
God and Abram concerning a covenant that was to be established
between them. In the former chapter we had Abram in the field with
kings; here we find him in the mount with God; and, though there he
looked great, yet, methinks, here he looks much greater: that
honour have the great men of the world, but "this honour have all
the saints." The covenant to be settled between God and Abram was a
covenant of promises; accordingly, here is, I. A general assurance
of God's kindness and good-will to Abram, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.1" parsed="|Gen|15|1|0|0" passage="Ge 15:1">ver. 1</scripRef>. II. A particular declaration of the
purposes of his love concerning him, in two things:—1. That he
would give him a numerous issue, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.2-Gen.15.6" parsed="|Gen|15|2|15|6" passage="Ge 15:2-6">ver.
2-6</scripRef>. 2. That he would give him Canaan for an
inheritance, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.7-Gen.15.21" parsed="|Gen|15|7|15|21" passage="Ge 15:7-21">ver. 7-21</scripRef>.
Either an estate without an heir, or an heir without an estate,
would have been but a half comfort to Abram. But God ensures both
to him; and that which made these two, the promised seed and the
promised land, comforts indeed to this great believer was that they
were both typical of those two invaluable blessings, Christ and
heaven; and so, we have reason to think, Abram eyed them.</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15" parsed="|Gen|15|0|0|0" passage="Ge 15" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.1" parsed="|Gen|15|1|0|0" passage="Ge 15:1" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.15.1">
<h4 id="Gen.xvi-p1.6">God's Covenant with Abram. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p1.7">b. c.</span> 1913.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xvi-p2">1 After these things the word of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p2.1">Lord</span> came unto Abram in a vision, saying,
Fear not, Abram: I <i>am</i> thy shield, <i>and</i> thy exceeding
great reward.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p3">Observe here, I. The time when God made
this treaty with Abram: <i>After these things.</i> 1. After that
famous act of generous charity which Abram had done, in rescuing
his friends and neighbours out of distress, and that, <i>not for
price nor reward.</i> After this, God made him this gracious visit.
Note, Those that show favour to men shall find favour with God. 2.
After that victory which he had obtained over four kings. Lest
Abram should be too much elevated and pleased with that, God comes
to him, to tell him he had better things in store for him. Note, A
believing converse with spiritual blessings is an excellent means
to keep us from being too much taken up with temporal enjoyments.
The gifts of common providence are not comparable to those of
covenant love.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p4">II. The manner in which God conversed with
Abram: <i>The word of the Lord came unto Abram</i> (that is, God
manifested himself and his will to Abram) <i>in a vision,</i> which
supposes Abram awake, and some visible appearances of the
Shechinah, or some sensible token of the presence of the divine
glory. Note, The methods of divine revelation are adapted to our
state in a world of sense.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p5">III. The gracious assurance God gave him of
his favour to him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p6">1. He called him by name—<i>Abram,</i>
which was a great honour to him, and made his name great, and was
also a great encouragement and assistance to his faith. Note, God's
good word does us good when it is spoken by his Spirit to us in
particular, and brought to our hearts. The word says, <i>Ho, every
one</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.55.1" parsed="|Isa|55|1|0|0" passage="Isa 55:1">Isa. lv. 1</scripRef>), the
Spirit says, <i>Ho, such a one.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p7">2. He cautioned him against being
disquieted and confounded: <i>Fear not, Abram.</i> Abram might fear
lest the four kings he had routed should rally again, and fall upon
him to his ruin: "No," says God, "<i>Fear not.</i> Fear not their
revenges, nor thy neighbour's envy; I will take care of thee."
Note, (1.) Where there is great faith, yet there may be many fears,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.7.5" parsed="|2Cor|7|5|0|0" passage="2Co 7:5">2 Cor. vii. 5</scripRef>. (2.) God
takes cognizance of his people's fears though ever so secret, and
<i>knows their souls,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.31.7" parsed="|Ps|31|7|0|0" passage="Ps 31:7">Ps. xxxi.
7</scripRef>. (3.) It is the will of God that his people should not
give way to prevailing fears, whatever happens. Let the sinners in
Sion be afraid, but fear not, Abram.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p8">3. He assured him of safety and happiness,
that he should for ever be, (1.) As safe as God himself could keep
him: <i>I am thy shield,</i> or, somewhat more emphatically, <i>I
am a shield to thee,</i> present with thee, actually caring for
thee. See <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.17.24" parsed="|1Chr|17|24|0|0" passage="1Ch 17:24">1 Chron. xvii.
24</scripRef>. Not only the God of Israel, but a God to Israel.
Note, The consideration of this, that God himself is, and will be,
a shield to his people to secure them from all destructive evils, a
shield ready to them and a shield round about them, should be
sufficient to silence all their perplexing tormenting fears. (2.)
As happy as God himself could make him: I will be <i>thy
exceedingly great reward;</i> not only thy rewarder, but thy
reward. Abram had generously refused the rewards which the king of
Sodom offered him, and here God comes, and tells him he shall be no
loser by it. Note, [1.] The rewards of believing obedience and
self-denial are exceedingly great, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.2.9" parsed="|1Cor|2|9|0|0" passage="1Co 2:9">1
Cor. ii. 9</scripRef>. [2.] God himself is the chosen and promised
felicity of holy souls—chosen in this world, promised in a better.
He is the <i>portion of their inheritance and their cup.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.2-Gen.15.6" parsed="|Gen|15|2|15|6" passage="Ge 15:2-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.15.2-Gen.15.6">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xvi-p9">2 And Abram said, Lord <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p9.1">God</span>, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go
childless, and the steward of my house <i>is</i> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p9.2">Lord</span>
<i>came</i> unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he
that shall come

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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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p9.3">Lord</span>; and he counted it to him for
righteousness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p10">We have here the assurance given to Abram
of a numerous offspring which should descend from him, in which
observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p11">I. Abram's repeated complaint, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.2-Gen.15.3" parsed="|Gen|15|2|15|3" passage="Ge 15:2,3"><i>v.</i> 2, 3</scripRef>. This was that which
gave occasion to this promise. The great affliction that sat heavy
upon Abram was the want of a child; and the complaint of this he
here <i>pours out before the Lord, and shows before him his
trouble,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.142.2" parsed="|Ps|142|2|0|0" passage="Ps 142:2">Ps. cxlii. 2</scripRef>.
Note, Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to
complain to him, and to be large and particular in the statement of
our grievances; and it is some ease to a burdened spirit to open
its case to a faithful and compassionate friend: such a friend God
is, whose ear is always open. Now his complaint is four-fold:—1.
That he had no child (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.3" parsed="|Gen|15|3|0|0" passage="Ge 15:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>): <i>Behold, to me thou hast given no seed;</i> not
only no son, but <i>no seed;</i> if he had had a daughter, from her
the promised Messiah might have come, who was to be the seed of the
woman; but he had neither son nor daughter. He seems to lay an
emphasis on that, <i>to me.</i> His neighbours were full of
children, his servants had children born in his house. "But <i>to
me,</i>" he complains, "thou hast given none;" and yet God had told
him he should be a favourite above all. Note, Those that are
written childless must see God writing them so. Again, God often
withholds those temporal comforts from his own children which he
gives plentifully to others that are strangers to him. 2. That he
was never likely to have any, intimated in that <i>I go,</i> or
"<i>I am going, childless,</i> going into years, going down the
hill apace; nay, I am going out of the world, going the way of all
the earth. <i>I die childless,</i>" so the LXX. "I leave the world,
and leave no child behind me." 3. That his servants were for the
present and were likely to be to him instead of sons. While he
lived, <i>the steward of his house was Eliezer of Damascus;</i> to
him he committed the care of his family and estate, who might be
faithful, but only as a servant, not as a son. When he died, <i>one
born in his house would be his heir,</i> and would bear rule over
all that for which he had laboured, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.2.18-Eccl.2.19 Bible:Eccl.2.21" parsed="|Eccl|2|18|2|19;|Eccl|2|21|0|0" passage="Ec 2:18,19,21">Eccl. ii. 18, 19, 21</scripRef>. God had already
told him that he would make of him <i>a great nation</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.12.2" parsed="|Gen|12|2|0|0" passage="Ge 12:2"><i>ch.</i> xii. 2</scripRef>), and his <i>seed as
the dust of the earth</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.13.16" parsed="|Gen|13|16|0|0" passage="Ge 13:16"><i>ch.</i>
xiii. 16</scripRef>); but he had left him in doubt whether it
should be his seed begotten or his seed adopted, by a son of his
loins or only a son of his house. "Now, Lord," says Abram, "if it
be only an adopted son, it must be one of my servants, which will
reflect disgrace upon the promised seed, that is to descend from
him." Note, While promised mercies are delayed our unbelief and
impatience are apt to conclude them denied. 4. That the want of a
son was so great a trouble to him that it took away the comfort of
all his enjoyments: "<i>Lord, what wilt thou give me?</i> All is
nothing to me, if I have not a son." Now, (1.) If we suppose that
Abram looked no further than a temporal comfort, this complaint was
culpable. God had, by his providence, given him some good things,
and more by his promise; and yet Abram makes no account of them,
because he has not a son. It did very ill become the father of the
faithful to say, <i>What wilt thou give me, seeing I go
childless,</i> immediately after God had said, <i>I am thy shield,
and thy exceedingly great reward.</i> Note, Those do not rightly
value the advantages of their covenant-relation to God and interest
in him who do not think them sufficient to balance the want of any
creature-comfort whatever. But, (2.) If we suppose that Abram,
herein, had a eye to the promised seed, the importunity of his
desire was very commendable: all was nothing to him, if he had not
the earnest of that great blessing, and an assurance of his
relation to the Messiah, of which God had already encouraged him to
maintain the expectation. He has wealth, and victory, and honour;
but, while he is kept in the dark about the main matter, it is all
nothing to him. Note, Till we have some comfortable evidence of our
interest in Christ and the new covenant, we should not rest
satisfied with any thing else. "This, and the other, I have; but
what will all this avail me, if I go Christless?" Yet thus far the
complaint was culpable, that there was some diffidence of the
promise at the bottom of it, and a weariness of waiting God's time.
Note, True believers sometimes find it hard to reconcile God's
promises and his providences, when they seem to disagree.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p12">II. God's gracious answer to this
complaint. To the first part of the complaint (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.2" parsed="|Gen|15|2|0|0" passage="Ge 15:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>) God gave no immediate answer,
because there was something of fretfulness in it; but, when he
renews his address somewhat more calmly (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.3" parsed="|Gen|15|3|0|0" passage="Ge 15:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), God answered him graciously.
Note, If we continue instant in prayer, and yet pray with a humble
submission to the divine will, we shall not seek in vain. 1. God
gave him an express promise of a son, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.4" parsed="|Gen|15|4|0|0" passage="Ge 15:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. This that is born in thy house
<i>shall not be thy heir,</i> as thou fearest, but one that shall
<i>come forth out of thy own bowels shall be thy heir.</i> Note,
(1.) God makes heirs; he says, "This shall not, and this shall;"
and whatever men devise and design, in settling their estates,
God's counsel shall stand. (2.) God is often better to us than our
own fears, and gives the mercy we had long despaired of. 2. To

<pb id="Gen.xvi-Page_101" n="101"/>

affect him the more with this promise, he took
him out, and showed him the stars (this vision being early in the
morning, before day), and then tells him, <i>So shall thy seed
be,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.5" parsed="|Gen|15|5|0|0" passage="Ge 15:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. (1.) So
numerous; the stars seem innumerable to a common eye: Abram feared
he should have no child at all, but God assured him that the
descendants from his loins should be so many as not to be numbered.
(2.) So illustrious, resembling the stars in splendour; for to
<i>them pertained the glory,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Rom.9.4" parsed="|Rom|9|4|0|0" passage="Ro 9:4">Rom.
ix. 4</scripRef>. Abram's seed, according to his flesh, were like
the dust of the earth (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.13.16" parsed="|Gen|13|16|0|0" passage="Ge 13:16"><i>ch.</i>
xiii. 16</scripRef>), but his spiritual seed are like the stars of
heaven, not only numerous, but glorious, and very precious.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p13">III. Abram's firm belief of the promise God
now made him, and God's favourable acceptance of his faith,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.6" parsed="|Gen|15|6|0|0" passage="Ge 15:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. 1. He
<i>believed in the Lord,</i> that is, he believed the truth of that
promise which God had now made him, resting upon the irresistible
power and the inviolable faithfulness of him that made it. <i>Hath
he spoken, and shall he not make it good?</i> Note, Those who would
have the comfort of the promises must mix faith with the promises.
See how the apostle magnifies this faith of Abram, and makes it a
standing example, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.4.19-Rom.4.21" parsed="|Rom|4|19|4|21" passage="Ro 4:19-21">Rom. iv.
19-21</scripRef>. <i>He was not weak in faith; he staggered not at
the promise;</i> he was <i>strong in faith; he was fully
persuaded.</i> The Lord work such a faith in every one of us! Some
think that his believing in the Lord respected, not only the Lord
promising, but the Lord promised, the Lord Jesus, the Mediator of
the new covenant. He <i>believed in him,</i> that is, received and
embraced the divine revelation concerning him, and <i>rejoiced to
see his day,</i> though at so great a distance, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:John.8.56" parsed="|John|8|56|0|0" passage="Joh 8:56">John viii. 56</scripRef>. 2. <i>God counted it to him
for righteousness;</i> that is, upon the score of this he was
accepted of God, and, as the rest of the patriarchs, by faith he
<i>obtained witness that he was righteous,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.4" parsed="|Heb|11|4|0|0" passage="Heb 11:4">Heb. xi. 4</scripRef>. This is urged in the New
Testament to prove that we are justified by faith without the works
of the law (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Rom.4.4 Bible:Gal.3.6" parsed="|Rom|4|4|0|0;|Gal|3|6|0|0" passage="Ro 4:4,Ga 3:6">Rom. iv. 3; Gal. iii.
6</scripRef>); for Abram was so justified while he was yet
uncircumcised. If Abram, that was so rich in good works, was not
justified by them, but by his faith, much less can we, that are so
poor in them. This faith, which was imputed to Abram for
righteousness, had lately struggled with unbelief (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.2" parsed="|Gen|15|2|0|0" passage="Ge 15:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), and, coming off a
conqueror, it was thus crowned, thus honoured. Note, A fiducial
practical acceptance of, and dependence upon, God's promise of
grace and glory, in and through Christ, is that which, according to
the tenour of the new covenant, gives us a right to all the
blessings contained in that promise. All believers are justified as
Abram was, and it was his faith that was <i>counted to him for
righteousness.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.7-Gen.15.11" parsed="|Gen|15|7|15|11" passage="Ge 15:7-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.15.7-Gen.15.11">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xvi-p14">7 And he said unto him, I <i>am</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p14.1">Lord</span> that brought thee out of Ur of the
Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.   8 And he
said, Lord <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p14.2">God</span>, 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
divided he not.   11 And when the fowls came down upon the
carcases, Abram drove them away.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p15">We have here the assurance given to Abram
of the land of Canaan for an inheritance.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p16">I. God declares his purpose concerning it,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.7" parsed="|Gen|15|7|0|0" passage="Ge 15:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Observe here,
Abram made no complaint in this matter, as he had done for the want
of a child. Note, Those that are sure of an interest in the
promised seed will see no reason to doubt of a title to the
promised land. If Christ is ours, heaven is ours. Observe again,
When he believed the former promise (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.6" parsed="|Gen|15|6|0|0" passage="Ge 15:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>) then God explained and ratified
this to him. Note, To him that has (improves what he has) more
shall be given. Three things God here reminds Abram of, for his
encouragement concerning the promise of this good land:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p17">1. What God is in himself: <i>I am the
Lord</i> Jehovah; and therefore, (1.) "I may give it to thee, for I
am sovereign Lord of all, and have a right to dispose of the whole
earth." (2.) "I can give it to thee, whatever opposition may be
made, though by the sons of Anak." God never promises more than he
is able to perform, as men often do. (3.) "I will make good my
promise to thee." Jehovah is <i>not a man that he should
lie.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p18">2. What he had done for Abram. He had
brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, <i>out of the fire of the
Chaldees,</i> so some, that is, either from their idolatries (for
the Chaldeans worshipped the fire), or from their persecutions. The
Jewish writers have a tradition that Abram was cast into a fiery
furnace for refusing to worship idols, and was miraculously
delivered. It is rather a place of that name. Thence God brought
him by an effectual call, brought him with a gracious violence,
snatched him as a brand out of the burning. This was, (1.) A
special mercy: "I brought thee, and left others, thousands, to
perish there." <i>God called him alone,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.51.2" parsed="|Isa|51|2|0|0" passage="Isa 51:2">Isa. li. 2</scripRef>. (2.) A spiritual mercy, a mercy
to his soul, a deliverance from sin and its fatal consequences. If
God save our souls, we shall want nothing that is good for us. (3.)
A fresh mercy, lately bestowed, and therefore should be the more
affecting,

<pb id="Gen.xvi-Page_102" n="102"/>

as that in the preface to the
commandments, <i>I am the Lord that brought thee out of Egypt</i>
lately. (4.) A foundation mercy, the beginning of mercy, peculiar
mercy to Abram, and therefore a pledge and earnest of further
mercy, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.66.9" parsed="|Isa|66|9|0|0" passage="Isa 66:9">Isa. lxvi. 9</scripRef>.
Observe how God speaks of it as that which he gloried in: <i>I am
the Lord that brought thee out.</i> He glories in it as an act both
of power and grace; compare <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.29.22" parsed="|Isa|29|22|0|0" passage="Isa 29:22">Isa.
xxix. 22</scripRef>, where he glories in it, long afterwards.
<i>Thus saith the Lord who redeemed</i> Abraham, redeemed him from
sin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p19">3. What he intended to do yet further for
him: "<i>I brought thee</i> hither, on purpose <i>to give thee this
land to inherit it,</i> not only to possess it, but to possess it
as an inheritance, which is the sweetest and surest title." Note,
(1.) The providence of God has secret but gracious designs in all
its various dispensations towards good people; we cannot conceive
the projects of Providence, till the event shows them in all their
mercy and glory. (2.) The great thing God designs in all his
dealings with his people is to bring them safely to heaven. They
are <i>chosen to salvation</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:2Thess.2.13" parsed="|2Thess|2|13|0|0" passage="2Th 2:13">2
Thess. ii. 13</scripRef>), <i>called to the kingdom</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:1Thess.2.12" parsed="|1Thess|2|12|0|0" passage="1Th 2:12">1 Thess. ii. 12</scripRef>), <i>begotten to the
inheritance</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.1.3-1Pet.1.4" parsed="|1Pet|1|3|1|4" passage="1Pe 1:3,4">1 Pet. i. 3,
4</scripRef>), and by all <i>made meet</i> for it, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:Col.1.12-Col.1.13 Bible:2Cor.4.17" parsed="|Col|1|12|1|13;|2Cor|4|17|0|0" passage="Col 1:12,13,2Co 4:17">Col. i. 12, 13; 2 Cor. iv.
17</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p20">II. Abram desires a sign: <i>Whereby shall
I know that I shall inherit it?</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.8" parsed="|Gen|15|8|0|0" passage="Ge 15:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. This did not proceed from
distrust of God's power or promise, as that of Zacharias; but he
desired this, 1. For the strengthening and confirming of his own
faith; he believed (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.6" parsed="|Gen|15|6|0|0" passage="Ge 15:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>), but here he prays, <i>Lord, help me</i> against
<i>my unbelief. Now</i> he believed, but he desired a sign to be
treasured up against an hour of temptation, not knowing how his
faith might, by some event or other, be shocked and tried. Note, We
all need, and should desire, helps from heaven for the confirming
of our faith, and should improve sacraments, which are instituted
signs, for that purpose. See <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Judg.6.36-Judg.6.40 Bible:2Kgs.20.8-2Kgs.20.10 Bible:Isa.7.11-Isa.7.12" parsed="|Judg|6|36|6|40;|2Kgs|20|8|20|10;|Isa|7|11|7|12" passage="Jdg 6:36-40,2Ki 20:8-10,Isa 7:11-12">Judg. vi. 36-40; 2 Kings xx.
8-10; Isa. vii. 11, 12</scripRef>. 2. For the ratifying of the
promise to his posterity, that they also might be brought to
believe it. Note, Those that are satisfied themselves should desire
that others also may be satisfied of the truth of God's promises.
John sent his disciples to Christ, not so much for his own
satisfaction as for theirs, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p20.4" osisRef="Bible:Matt.11.2-Matt.11.3" parsed="|Matt|11|2|11|3" passage="Mt 11:2,3">Matt. xi.
2, 3</scripRef>. Canaan was a type of heaven. Note, It is a very
desirable thing to know that we shall inherit the heavenly Canaan,
that is, to be confirmed in our belief of the truth of that
happiness, and to have the evidences of our title to it more and
more cleared up to us.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p21">III. God directs Abram to make preparations
for a sacrifice, intending by that to give him a sign, and Abram
makes preparation accordingly (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.9-Gen.15.11" parsed="|Gen|15|9|15|11" passage="Ge 15:9-11"><i>v.</i> 9-11</scripRef>): <i>Take me a heifer,</i>
&amp;c. Perhaps Abram expected some extraordinary sign from heaven;
but God gives him a sign upon a sacrifice. Note, Those that would
receive the assurances of God's favour, and would have their faith
confirmed, must attend instituted ordinances, and expect to meet
with God in them. Observe, 1. God appointed that each of the beasts
used for this service should be three years old, because then they
were at their full growth and strength: God must be served with the
best we have, for he is the best. 2. We do not read that God gave
Abram particular directions how to manage these beasts and fowls,
knowing that he was so well versed in the law and custom of
sacrifices that he needed not any particular directions; or perhaps
instructions were given him, which he carefully observed, thought
they are not recorded: at least it was intimated to him that they
must be prepared for the solemnity of ratifying a covenant; and he
well knew the manner of preparing them. 3. Abram took as God
appointed him, though as yet he knew not how these things should
become a sign to him. This was not the first instance of Abram's
implicit obedience. He divided the beasts in the midst, according
to the ceremony used in confirming covenants, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.34.18-Jer.34.19" parsed="|Jer|34|18|34|19" passage="Jer 34:18,19">Jer. xxxiv. 18, 19</scripRef>, where it is said,
They cut <i>the calf in twain, and passed between the parts.</i> 4.
Abram, having prepared according to God's appointment, now set
himself to wait for the sign God might give him by these, like the
prophet upon his watch-tower, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Hab.2.1" parsed="|Hab|2|1|0|0" passage="Hab 2:1">Hab. ii.
1</scripRef>. While God's appearing to own his sacrifice was
deferred, Abram continued waiting, and his expectations were raised
by the delay; when <i>the fowls came down upon the carcases</i> to
prey upon them, as common and neglected things, <i>Abram drove them
away</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.11" parsed="|Gen|15|11|0|0" passage="Ge 15:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>),
believing that the vision would, at the end, <i>speak, and not
lie.</i> Note, A very watchful eye must be kept upon our spiritual
sacrifices, that nothing be suffered to prey upon them and render
them unfit for God's acceptance. When vain thoughts, like these
fowls, come down upon our sacrifices, we must drive them away, and
not suffer them to lodge within us, but <i>attend on God without
distraction.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p21.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.12-Gen.15.16" parsed="|Gen|15|12|15|16" passage="Ge 15:12-16" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.15.12-Gen.15.16">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xvi-p22">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 <i>that is</i> 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
<i>is</i> not yet full.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p23">We have here a full and particular
discovery made to Abram of God's purposes concerning his seed.
Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p24">I. The time when God came to him with this
discovery: <i>When the sun was going down,</i> or <i>declining,</i>
about the time of the <i>evening oblation,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.18.36 Bible:Dan.9.21" parsed="|1Kgs|18|36|0|0;|Dan|9|21|0|0" passage="1Ki 18:36,Da 9:21">1 Kings xviii. 36; Dan. ix. 21</scripRef>.
Early in the morning, before day, while the stars were yet to be
seen, God had given him orders concerning the sacrifices (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.5" parsed="|Gen|15|5|0|0" passage="Ge 15:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>), and we may suppose it
was, at least, his morning's work to prepare them and set them in
order; when he had done this, he abode by them, praying and waiting
till towards evening. Note, God often keeps his people long in
expectation of the comforts he designs them, for the confirmation
of their faith; but though the answers of prayer, and the
performance of promises, come slowly, yet they come surely. <i>At
evening time it shall be light.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p25">II. The preparatives for this discovery. 1.
<i>A deep sleep fell upon Abram,</i> not a common sleep through
weariness or carelessness, but a divine ecstasy, like that which
the <i>Lord God caused to fall upon Adam</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.2.21" parsed="|Gen|2|21|0|0" passage="Ge 2:21"><i>ch.</i> ii. 21</scripRef>), that, being hereby wholly
taken off from the view of things sensible, he might be wholly
taken up with the contemplation of things spiritual. The doors of
the body were locked up, that the soul might be private and
retired, and might act the more freely and like itself. 2. With
this sleep, <i>a horror of great darkness fell upon him.</i> How
sudden a change! But just before we had him solacing himself in the
comforts of God's covenant, and in communion with him; and here a
<i>horror of great darkness</i> falls upon him. Note, The children
of light do not always walk in the light, but sometimes clouds and
darkness are round about them. This great darkness, which brought
horror with it, was designed, (1.) To strike an awe upon the spirit
of Abram, and to possess him with a holy reverence, that the
familiarity to which God was pleased to admit him might not breed
contempt. Note, Holy fear prepares the soul for holy joy; the
spirit of bondage makes way for the spirit of adoption. God wounds
first, and then heals; humbles first, and then lifts up, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.6.5-Isa.6.6" parsed="|Isa|6|5|6|6" passage="Isa 6:5,6">Isa. vi. 5, 6</scripRef>, &amp;c. (2.) To be a
specimen of the methods of God's dealings with his seed. They must
first be in the horror and darkness of Egyptian slavery, and then
enter with joy into the good land; and therefore he must have the
foretaste of their sufferings, before he had the foresight of their
happiness. (3.) To be an indication of the nature of that covenant
of peculiarity which God was now about to make with Abram. The
Old-Testament dispensation, which was founded on that covenant, was
a dispensation, [1.] Of darkness and obscurity, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p25.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.3.13-2Cor.3.14" parsed="|2Cor|3|13|3|14" passage="2Co 3:13,14">2 Cor. iii. 13, 14</scripRef>. [2.] Of dread and
horror, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p25.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.12.18" parsed="|Heb|12|18|0|0" passage="Heb 12:18">Heb. xii. 18</scripRef>,
&amp;c.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p26">III. The prediction itself. Several things
are here foretold.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p27">1. The suffering state of Abram's seed for
a long time, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p27.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.13" parsed="|Gen|15|13|0|0" passage="Ge 15:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>.
Let not Abram flatter himself with the hopes of nothing but honour
and prosperity in his family; no, he must know, of a surety, that
which he was loth to believe, that the promised seed should be a
persecuted seed. Note, God sends the worst first; we must first
suffer, and then reign. He also lets us know the worst before it
comes, that when it comes it may not be a surprise to us, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p27.2" osisRef="Bible:John.16.4" parsed="|John|16|4|0|0" passage="Joh 16:4">John xvi. 4</scripRef>. Now we have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p28">(1.) The particulars of their sufferings.
[1.] They shall be strangers; so they were, first in Canaan
(<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.105.12" parsed="|Ps|105|12|0|0" passage="Ps 105:12">Ps. cv. 12</scripRef>) and
afterwards in Egypt; before they were lords of their own land they
were strangers in a strange land. The inconveniences of an
unsettled state make a happy settlement the more welcome. Thus the
heirs of heaven are first strangers on earth, a land that is not
theirs. [2.] They shall be servants; so they were to the Egyptians,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p28.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.1.13" parsed="|Exod|1|13|0|0" passage="Ex 1:13">Exod. i. 13</scripRef>. See how that
which was the doom of the Canaanites (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p28.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.9.25" parsed="|Gen|9|25|0|0" passage="Ge 9:25"><i>ch.</i> ix. 25</scripRef>), proves the distress of
Abram's seed: they are made to serve, but with this difference, the
Canaanites serve under a curse, the Hebrews under a blessing; and
the <i>upright shall have dominion in the morning,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p28.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.49.14" parsed="|Ps|49|14|0|0" passage="Ps 49:14">Ps. xlix. 14</scripRef>. [3.] They shall be
suffers. Those whom they serve shall afflict them; see <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p28.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.1.11" parsed="|Exod|1|11|0|0" passage="Ex 1:11">Exod. i. 11</scripRef>. Note, Those that are
blessed and beloved of God are often sorely afflicted by wicked
men; and God foresees it, and takes cognizance of it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p29">(2.) The continuance of their
sufferings—<i>four hundred years.</i> This persecution began with
mocking, when Ishmael, the son of an Egyptian, persecuted Isaac,
who was <i>born after the Spirit,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p29.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.21.9 Bible:Gal.4.29" parsed="|Gen|21|9|0|0;|Gal|4|29|0|0" passage="Ge 21:9,Gal 4:29"><i>ch.</i> xxi. 9; Gal. iv. 29</scripRef>. It
continued in loathing; for it was an abomination to the Egyptians
to eat bread with the Hebrews, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p29.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.43.32" parsed="|Gen|43|32|0|0" passage="Ge 43:32"><i>ch.</i> xliii. 32</scripRef>; and it came at last to
murder, the basest of murders, that of their new-born children; so
that, more or less, it continued 400 years, though, in extremity,
not so many. This was a long time, but a limited time.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p30">2. The judgment of the enemies of Abram's
seed: <i>That nation whom they shall serve,</i> even the Egyptians,
<i>will I judge,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.14" parsed="|Gen|15|14|0|0" passage="Ge 15:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>. This points at the plagues of Egypt, by which God
not only constrained the Egyptians to release Israel, but punished
them for all the hardships they had put upon them. Note, (1.)
Though God may suffer persecutors and oppressors to trample upon
his people a great while, yet he will certainly reckon with them at
last; for his <i>day is coming,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p30.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.37.12-Ps.37.13" parsed="|Ps|37|12|37|13" passage="Ps 37:12,13">Ps. xxxvii. 12, 13</scripRef>. (2.) The punishing of
persecutors is the judging of them: it is a righteous thing with
God, and a particular act of justice, to recompense tribulations to
those that trouble his people. The

<pb id="Gen.xvi-Page_104" n="104"/>

judging
of the church's enemies is God's work: <i>I will judge.</i> God can
do it, for he is the Lord; he will do it, for he is his people's
God, and he has said, <i>Vengeance is mine, I will repay.</i> To
him therefore we must leave it, to be done in his way and time.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p31">3. The deliverance of Abram's seed out of
Egypt. That great event is here foretold: <i>Afterwards shall they
come out with great substance.</i> It is here promised, (1.) That
they should be enlarged: <i>Afterwards they shall come out;</i>
that is, either after they have been afflicted 400 years, when the
days of their servitude are fulfilled, or after the Egyptians are
judged and plagued, then they may expect deliverance. Note, The
destruction of oppressors is the redemption of the oppressed; they
will not let God's people go till they are forced to it. (2.) That
they should be enriched: <i>They shall come out with great
substance;</i> this was fulfilled, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.12.35-Exod.12.36" parsed="|Exod|12|35|12|36" passage="Ex 12:35,36">Exod. xii. 35, 36</scripRef>. God took care they
should have, not only a good land to go to, but a good stock to
carry with them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p32">4. Their happy settlement in Canaan,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p32.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.16" parsed="|Gen|15|16|0|0" passage="Ge 15:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. They shall
not only come out of Egypt, but <i>they shall come hither
again,</i> hither to the land of Canaan, wherein thou now art. The
discontinuance of their possession shall be no defeasance of their
right: we must not reckon those comforts lost for ever that are
intermitted for a time. The reason why they must not have the land
of promise in possession till the fourth generation was because
<i>the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full.</i> Israel cannot
be possessed of Canaan till the Amorites be dispossessed; and they
are not yet ripe for ruin. The righteous God has determined that
they shall not be cut off till they have persisted in sin so long,
and arrived at such a pitch of wickedness, that there may appear
some equitable proportion between their sin and their ruin; and
therefore, till it come to that, the seed of Abram must be kept out
of possession. Note, (1.) The measure of sin fills gradually. Those
that continue impenitent in wicked ways are treasuring up unto
themselves wrath. (2.) Some people's measure of sin fills slowly.
The Sodomites, who were sinners before the Lord exceedingly, soon
filled their measure; so did the Jews, who were, in profession,
near to God. But the iniquity of the Amorites was long in the
filling up. (3.) That this is the reason of the prosperity of
wicked people; the measure of their sins is not yet full. The
wicked <i>live, become old, and are mighty in power,</i> while God
is <i>laying up their iniquity for their children,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p32.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.21.7 Bible:Job.21.19" parsed="|Job|21|7|0|0;|Job|21|19|0|0" passage="Job 21:7,19">Job xxi. 7, 19</scripRef>. See <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p32.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.23.32 Bible:Deut.32.34" parsed="|Matt|23|32|0|0;|Deut|32|34|0|0" passage="Mt 23:32,De 32:34">Matt. xxiii. 32; Deut. xxxii.
34</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p33">5. Abram's peaceful quiet death and burial,
before these things should come to pass, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p33.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.15" parsed="|Gen|15|15|0|0" passage="Ge 15:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. As he should not live to see
that good land in the possession of his family, but must die, as he
lived, a stranger in it, so, to balance this, he should not live to
see the troubles that should come upon his seed, much less to share
in them. This is promised to Josiah, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p33.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.22.20" parsed="|2Kgs|22|20|0|0" passage="2Ki 22:20">2 Kings xxii. 20</scripRef>. Note, Good men are
sometimes greatly favoured by being <i>taken away from the evil to
come,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p33.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.57.1" parsed="|Isa|57|1|0|0" passage="Isa 57:1">Isa. lvii. 1</scripRef>. Let
this satisfy Abram, that, for his part,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p34">(1.) He shall <i>go to his fathers in
peace.</i> Note, [1.] Even the friends and favourites of Heaven are
not exempted from the stroke of death. Are we greater than our
father Abram, who is dead? <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.1" osisRef="Bible:John.8.53" parsed="|John|8|53|0|0" passage="Joh 8:53">John viii.
53</scripRef>. [2.] Good men die willingly; they are not fetched,
they are not forced, but they go; their soul is not required, as
the rich fool's (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.2" osisRef="Bible:Luke.12.20" parsed="|Luke|12|20|0|0" passage="Lu 12:20">Luke xii.
20</scripRef>), but cheerfully resigned: they would not live
always. [3.] At death we go to our fathers, to all our fathers that
have gone before us to the state of the dead (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.3" osisRef="Bible:Job.21.32-Job.21.33" parsed="|Job|21|32|21|33" passage="Job 21:32,33">Job xxi. 32, 33</scripRef>), to our godly fathers
that have gone before us to the state of the blessed, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.12.23" parsed="|Heb|12|23|0|0" passage="Heb 12:23">Heb. xii. 23</scripRef>. The former thought
helps to take off the terror of death, the latter puts comfort into
it. [4.] Whenever a godly man dies, he dies in peace. If the way be
piety, the end is peace, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.37.37" parsed="|Ps|37|37|0|0" passage="Ps 37:37">Ps. xxxvii.
37</scripRef>. Outward peace, to the last, is promised to Abram,
peace and truth is his days, whatever should come afterwards
(<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p34.6" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.20.19" parsed="|2Kgs|20|19|0|0" passage="2Ki 20:19">2 Kings xx. 19</scripRef>); peace
with God, and everlasting peace, are sure to all the seed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p35">(2.) He shall be <i>buried in a good old
age.</i> Perhaps mention is made of his burial here, where the land
of Canaan is promised him, because a burying place was the first
possession he had in it. He shall not only die in peace, but die in
honour, die, and be buried decently; not only die in peace, but die
in season, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p35.1" osisRef="Bible:Job.5.26" parsed="|Job|5|26|0|0" passage="Job 5:26">Job v. 26</scripRef>. Note,
[1.] Old age is a blessing. It is promised in the fifth
commandment; it is pleasing to nature; and it affords a great
opportunity for usefulness. [2.] Especially, if it be a good old
age. Theirs may be called a good old age, <i>First,</i> That are
old and healthful, not loaded with such distempers as make them
weary of life. <i>Secondly,</i> That are old and holy, old
disciples (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p35.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.21.16" parsed="|Acts|21|16|0|0" passage="Ac 21:16">Acts xxi. 16</scripRef>),
whose hoary head is <i>found in the way of righteousness</i>
(<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p35.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.16.31" parsed="|Prov|16|31|0|0" passage="Pr 16:31">Prov. xvi. 31</scripRef>), old and
useful, old and exemplary for godliness; theirs is indeed a good
old age.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xvi-p35.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.17-Gen.15.21" parsed="|Gen|15|17|15|21" passage="Ge 15:17-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.15.17-Gen.15.21">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xvi-p36">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
<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xvi-p36.1">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p37">Here is, I. The covenant ratified
(<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p37.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.17" parsed="|Gen|15|17|0|0" passage="Ge 15:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>); the sign
which Abram desired was given, at length, when the sun had gone
down, so that it was dark; for that was a dark dispensation.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p38">1. The <i>smoking furnace</i> signified the
affliction of his seed in Egypt. They were there in the <i>iron
furnace</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p38.1" osisRef="Bible:Deut.4.20" parsed="|Deut|4|20|0|0" passage="De 4:20">Deut. iv. 20</scripRef>),
the <i>furnace of affliction</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p38.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.48.10" parsed="|Isa|48|10|0|0" passage="Isa 48:10">Isa. xlviii. 10</scripRef>), labouring in the very
fire. They were there in the smoke, their eyes darkened, that they
could not see to the end of their troubles, and themselves at a
loss to conceive what God would do with them. Clouds and darkness
were round about them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p39">2. The <i>burning lamp</i> denotes comfort
in this affliction; and this God showed to Abram, at the same time
that he showed him the <i>smoking furnace.</i> (1.) Light denotes
deliverance out of the furnace; their salvation was as <i>a lamp
that burneth,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p39.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.62.1" parsed="|Isa|62|1|0|0" passage="Isa 62:1">Isa. lxii.
1</scripRef>. When God came down to deliver them, he appeared in a
bush that <i>burned, and was not consumed,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p39.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.3.2" parsed="|Exod|3|2|0|0" passage="Ex 3:2">Exod. iii. 2</scripRef>. (2.) The lamp denotes direction
in the smoke. God's word was their lamp: this word to Abram was so,
it was a light shining in a dark place. Perhaps this burning lamp
prefigured the pillar of cloud and fire, which led them out of
Egypt, in which God was. (3.) The burning lamp denotes the
destruction of their enemies who kept them so long in the furnace.
See <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p39.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.12.6" parsed="|Zech|12|6|0|0" passage="Zec 12:6">Zech. xii. 6</scripRef>. The same
cloud that enlightened the Israelites troubled and burned the
Egyptians.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p40">3. The passing of these between the pieces
was the confirming of the covenant God now made with him, that he
might have strong consolation, being fully persuaded that what God
promised he would certainly perform. It is probable that the
furnace and lamp, which passed between the pieces, burnt and
consumed them, and so completed the sacrifice, and testified God's
acceptance of it, as of Gideon's (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p40.1" osisRef="Bible:Judg.6.21" parsed="|Judg|6|21|0|0" passage="Jdg 6:21">Judg. vi. 21</scripRef>), Manoah's (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p40.2" osisRef="Bible:Judg.13.19-Judg.13.20" parsed="|Judg|13|19|13|20" passage="Jdg 13:19,20">Judg. xiii. 19, 20</scripRef>), and Solomon's,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p40.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.7.1" parsed="|2Chr|7|1|0|0" passage="2Ch 7:1">2 Chron. vii. 1</scripRef>. So it
intimates, (1.) That God's covenants with man are made by sacrifice
(<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p40.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.50.5" parsed="|Ps|50|5|0|0" passage="Ps 50:5">Ps. l. 5</scripRef>), by Christ, the
great sacrifice: no agreement without atonement. (2.) God's
acceptance of our spiritual sacrifices is a token for good and an
earnest of further favours. See <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p40.5" osisRef="Bible:Judg.13.23" parsed="|Judg|13|23|0|0" passage="Jdg 13:23">Judg.
xiii. 23</scripRef>. And by this we may know that he accepts our
sacrifices if he kindle in our souls a holy fire of pious and
devout affections in them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p41">II. The covenant repeated and explained:
<i>In that same day,</i> that day never to be forgotten, <i>the
Lord made a covenant with Abram,</i> that is, gave a promise to
Abram, saying, <i>Unto thy seed have I given this land,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p41.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.18" parsed="|Gen|15|18|0|0" passage="Ge 15:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. Here is,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p42">1. A rehearsal of the grant. He had said
before, <i>To thy seed will I give this land,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p42.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.12.7 Bible:Gen.13.15" parsed="|Gen|12|7|0|0;|Gen|13|15|0|0" passage="Ge 12:7,Ge 13:15"><i>ch.</i> xii. 7; xiii. 15</scripRef>.
But here he says, <i>I have given it;</i> that is, (1.) I have
given the promise of it, the charter is sealed and delivered, and
cannot be disannulled. Note, God's promises are God's gifts, and
are so to be accounted. (2.) The possession is as sure, in due
time, as if it were now actually delivered to them. What God has
promised is as sure as if it were already done; hence, it is said,
<i>He that believes hath everlasting life</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p42.2" osisRef="Bible:John.3.36" parsed="|John|3|36|0|0" passage="Joh 3:36">John iii. 36</scripRef>), for he shall as surely go to
heaven as if he were there already.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xvi-p43">2. A recital of the particulars granted,
such as is usual in the grants of lands. He specifies the
boundaries of the land intended hereby to be granted, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p43.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.18" parsed="|Gen|15|18|0|0" passage="Ge 15:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. And then, for the
greater certainty, as is usual in such cases, he mentions in whose
tenure and occupation these lands now were. Ten several nations, or
tribes, are here spoken of (<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p43.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.15.19-Gen.15.21" parsed="|Gen|15|19|15|21" passage="Ge 15:19-21"><i>v.</i> 19-21</scripRef>) that must be cast out, to
make room for the <i>seed of Abram.</i> They were not possessed of
all these countries when God brought them into Canaan. The bounds
are fixed much narrower, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p43.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.34.2-Num.34.12" parsed="|Num|34|2|34|12" passage="Nu 34:2-12">Num. xxxiv.
2, 3</scripRef>. &amp;c. But, (1.) In David's time, and Solomon's,
their jurisdiction extended to the utmost of these limits,
<scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p43.4" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.9.26" parsed="|2Chr|9|26|0|0" passage="2Ch 9:26">2 Chron. ix. 26</scripRef>. (2.) It
was their own fault that they were not sooner and longer in
possession of all these territories. They forfeited their right by
their sins, and by their own sloth and cowardice kept themselves
out of possession. (3.) The land granted is here described in its
utmost extent because it was to be a type of the heavenly
inheritance, where there is room enough: in our father's house are
many mansions. The present occupants are named, because their
number, and strength, and long prescription, should be no hindrance
to the accomplishment of this promise in its season, and to magnify
God's love to Abram and his seed, in giving to that one nation the
possessions of many nations, so precious were they in his sight,
and so honourable, <scripRef id="Gen.xvi-p43.5" osisRef="Bible:Isa.43.4" parsed="|Isa|43|4|0|0" passage="Isa 43:4">Isa. xliii.
4</scripRef>.</p>
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