“After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
Context: To fully understand Genesis 15:1, it’s important to consider the context of the verse. Prior to this verse, Abram (later known as Abraham) had just returned from rescuing his nephew Lot from captivity. He was also blessed by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. In Genesis 15, God comes to Abram in a vision to reassure and bless him.
“After these things”: The verse begins with the phrase “After these things.” This refers to the events and encounters that occurred before this moment. It serves as a marker of progression in Abram’s journey and sets the stage for what follows.
“The word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision”: God communicates with Abram through a vision. Throughout the Bible, God often uses dreams and visions to convey His messages and reveal His will to His chosen people. In this instance, God initiates the conversation with Abram, indicating His personal involvement in Abram’s life.
“Fear not, Abram”: The first message God delivers to Abram is one of reassurance. He tells Abram not to fear. This reassurance implies that Abram might have been feeling anxious, uncertain, or fearful about the future. God’s command to “fear not” reveals His desire for Abram to trust in Him and His faithfulness.
“I am thy shield”: God assures Abram that He is his shield. A shield is a defensive weapon used in battle to protect against incoming attacks. In this context, God promises to be Abram’s protector, providing security and safeguarding him from harm. It signifies that God is personally involved in the well-being of Abram and his journey.
“And thy exceeding great reward”: God not only promises to be Abram’s shield but also declares Himself as Abram’s exceeding great reward. This statement indicates that God Himself is the ultimate blessing and reward that Abram will receive. It goes beyond material blessings, emphasizing the importance of having a close relationship with God.
Lessons from Genesis 15:1:
- Trusting in God: God’s command to Abram to “fear not” teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, even when facing uncertainty or challenges.
- God’s protection: God’s promise to be Abram’s shield reminds us that God is our protector and defender. He watches over His people and provides the necessary support and security.
- God as our reward: God being Abram’s exceeding great reward highlights the truth that our relationship with God is of utmost value. He satisfies our deepest longings and is the source of true fulfillment and blessing.
Overall, Genesis 15:1 encourages us to trust in God’s promises, find refuge in His protection, and recognize that our relationship with Him is the greatest reward we can have.
