gen 15

Question	Answer	Note
What is the reward here mentioned in this verse?		The context in which the adjectives are used with reward, suggests that there is more than physical wealth be promised, and since there was a previous promise of increasing Abram’s seed, this tugs on a nerve with Abram and he declares that he is childless.
		15:2 Abram was questioning the promise made to him 12:2. He seems a little provoked, but reverences God and seeks clarification of the promise given him.
Was Eliezer a captive of battle mentioned in 14:15?		15:3 “One born in my house is my heir” seemed to be the custom of the day. This may suggest that the children of Eliezer may become the heir of Abram’s possessions, and consequently it is mentioned.
		15:4 God addresses Abram concern, and clarifies any misconceptions This is a little concerning, Abram could hear the word of the Lord audibly yet he doubted as time passed by, and sought another interpretation for what was originally communicated to him. (Abram has human limitations and is trying to reason away what God has said) Yet God is patient and confirms with Abram the original interpretation of the promise.
		15:4 Abram was getting old and did could not see the possibility of what the Lord had said to him coming to pass. So he is now trying to put man’s wisdom to what God had declared. God always wants to increase the faith of His servants, Abram is no exception. Consequently, the lesson was tailored for Abram, which meant coming out of his comfort zone, after it seemed possible with men, Abram had to wait all that time. God had to bring Abram to the edge of his comfort zone, so that he could grow.
		15:5 This is the experience that most of us are missing. Not be able to hear the voice of the Lord audibly. In spite of what we may think, there was not open communication to God all the time. God appeared to hi servants when there was a need for Him to appear.
		15:6 this is key, belief counted for righteousness.
		15:7 God is re-assuring Abram of His omnipotence.
Where does the vision which started in verse one end.	It seems that the entire verse is a vison, and in verse twelve Abram falls asleep during the vision. As unlikely as it may sound it seems it was because of the darkness of the other part of the vision that Abram had to fall asleep.	15:12
		15:13 The four hundred years here mentioned does not mean that the Israelites spent 400 years in slavery. Rather that a certain event will happen within 400 years. More on this later.
Why was it important for God to tell Abram that he would live a long time before dying?	It seemed that Abram was being promised long life.	15:15
		15:16 Amorites were amongst  the descendants of Canaan and hence called Canaanites (gen 10:16). So the reference in this verse is to be understood through Gen 12:6 and 13:7.  God was informing Abram that their probation had not yet closed and thus he could not get the land right there and then.
		15:16 It seems that a generation here is being referred to as a hundred years, and consequently the mention that after 400 years (vs 13) something will be accomplished from the promise being made to Abram. (Note Exodus 12:41)
		15:16 God’s mercy is not yet run out on the Amorites. He knows they will get to that point, yet he still gives them all the time they need to make it right.
Why was there a burning lamp here mentioned? Did this lamp belong to Abram? Did he plan to light the furnace if God had not done so?		15:17
		15:17 Note that there is no mention of an altar, consequently the burning animals are called a furnace, rather than a sacrifice.
		15:19-21 These are the nations that inhabited the region that was going to be given to Abram