Abram had good reason to fear the vengeance of the defeated kings; but the divine voice reassured him. For all of us there is need of a shield, because the world hates us; and for each God will be our compensation for every sacrifice we have made. Refuse to take even the shoe-latchets of Sodom, and God will be your exceeding great reward. The patriarch addressed God as Adonai Jehovah, which occurs only twice more in the Pentateuch. While he was pouring out the bitterness of his soul, the stars came out. Count these, said his Almighty Friend; and he believed. For the first time that mighty word occurs in Scripture, and the Apostle makes much of it. See Romans 4:9; Galatians 3:6. It was as good as done. Henceforth the patriarch reckoned on God's faithfulness. In olden times covenants were ratified by the parties passing between the pieces of the sacrifice. To give strong consolation, the Almighty confirmed His word with an oath. See Hebrews 6:18. But God must wait until the hour for interposition is fully come. [source]
Chapter Summary: Genesis 15
1God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir 4God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed 6Abram is justified by faith 7Canaan is promised again, 9and confirmed by a sign, and a vision, 18prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt
What do the individual words in Genesis 15:21 mean?
Parse: Article, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: אֱמֹרִי
Sense: one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt.
Parse: Article, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: גִּרְגָּשִׁי
Sense: descendants of Canaan and one of the nations living east of the sea of Galilee when the Israelites entered the promised land.
Parse: Article, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יְבוּסִי
Sense: descendants of the 3rd son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem.