https://youtu.be/QWOrc8pchdc?si=A1rMjOMPmnKhqv79
Genesis 15 – Summary
In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram (later Abraham). The chapter begins with God appearing to Abram in a vision, assuring him not to be afraid because He is Abram’s shield and great reward.
Abram expresses concern that he remains childless and that his servant Eliezer will be his heir. God responds by promising Abram a biological son and descendants as numerous as the stars.
Abram believes God, and this faith is credited to him as righteousness (v.6). God then reminds Abram that He brought him out of Ur to give him the land of Canaan.
When Abram asks for assurance, God instructs him to prepare a covenant ceremony using specific animals. As Abram waits, he falls into a deep sleep, and God reveals that Abram’s descendants will be enslaved in a foreign land for 400 years, but they will come out with great possessions.
Finally, God confirms the covenant by passing between the animal pieces in the form of a smoking firepot and flaming torch, symbolizing His binding commitment. The chapter ends with God detailing the land He is giving Abram’s descendants.
Personal Observation
This chapter is one of the most pivotal in Scripture—it highlights the power of faith and God’s faithfulness to His promises.
What stands out personally is Abram’s raw honesty with God. He doesn’t pretend to be full of confidence—he expresses his doubts, and God doesn’t rebuke him for it.
Instead, God meets him where he is, providing assurance. That moment where “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (v.6) is deeply moving because it shows that what God desires most is our trust, even when we don’t have all the answers.
Practical Application
Trust God in the waiting.
Like Abram, we often struggle when promises are delayed. This chapter reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels long or uncertain.
Be honest in your prayers.
Abram voiced his doubts and questions—so can we. Faith doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay; it means trusting God even when things aren't clear to us.
Faith is credited as righteousness.
Our relationship with God is rooted not in performance, but in believing Him. Be encouraged to reflect on areas where you need to renew your faith and trust in God’s promises.
Remember God's covenant character.
The image of God passing through the sacrifice alone shows that He takes responsibility for the promise. Even when we fail, God remains faithful.
Genesis 15 – Discussion Questions (1–4)
What stands out to you most in this chapter—Abram’s doubts, God’s promises, or the covenant ceremony? Why?
Why do you think God told Abram, “Do not be afraid” (v.1)? What might Abram have been afraid of at that point in his life?
What does it mean that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (v.6)? Why is this verse significant for our understanding of faith?
Have you ever felt like Abram—waiting on God to fulfill a promise or answer a prayer? How did that experience impact your faith?
1. What stands out to me most in this chapter—Abram’s doubts, God’s promises, or the covenant ceremony? Why?
The covenant ceremony stands out the most. It’s such a powerful and mysterious moment—God passes through the sacrificed animals alone, symbolizing that He is taking full responsibility for the promise. This isn’t just a contract; it’s a divine commitment rooted in grace. It shows that even when humans are uncertain or unfaithful, God remains faithful. That kind of unconditional promise is both humbling and deeply reassuring.
2. Why do I think God told Abram, “Do not be afraid” (v.1)? What might Abram have been afraid of at that point in his life?
God likely told Abram not to be afraid because Abram was struggling with uncertainty. He had left everything behind to follow God, but the promise of descendants hadn’t been fulfilled—and he was getting older. His fear was probably about the future, the delay of the promise, and maybe even wondering if he had misunderstood God’s plan. God addresses his fear by assuring him of His protection and that Abram’s reward is still coming.
3. What does it mean that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (v.6)? Why is this verse significant for our understanding of faith?
This verse is foundational because it shows that Abram was made right with God—not through works or perfection—but simply by trusting Him.
His belief in God’s promise, despite the circumstances, was what God valued most. This verse is later quoted in Romans and Galatians to explain salvation by faith, not by law. It teaches that righteousness is not earned, but received through faith—a truth that still defines our relationship with God today.
4. Have you ever felt like Abram—waiting on God to fulfill a promise or answer a prayer? How did that experience impact your faith?
Yes, there have been times when I’ve prayed for clarity or direction and felt like I was just waiting in silence. Like Abram, I started to question whether the promise was still coming. But looking back, I can see how God was working in that season—teaching me patience, dependence, and trust. Though it was hard, those times actually deepened my faith and reminded me that God's timing is not always mine, but it’s always right.