“And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.”
Context: Genesis 15:12 is part of the larger narrative of God’s covenant with Abram (later known as Abraham). In this chapter, God promises Abram that he will have a son and that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abram asks for a sign to confirm this promise, and God instructs him to bring certain animals for a covenant ritual. This verse occurs during the covenant ceremony.
Abram’s deep sleep: In this verse, we see that when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram. This deep sleep is significant because it sets the stage for the covenant ritual that follows. During this sleep, Abram is passive, and God takes the initiative to establish the covenant.
Horror of great darkness: The verse also mentions that a horror of great darkness fell upon Abram. This darkness is symbolic and emphasizes the seriousness and weightiness of the covenant ceremony. It signifies the spiritual and supernatural nature of the covenant being made between Abram and God.
Symbolism: The deep sleep and horror of great darkness can be seen as symbolic elements within the narrative. Abram’s deep sleep represents his submission and reliance on God to fulfill the covenant promises. It indicates Abram’s trust in God’s faithfulness and ability to accomplish what He has promised.
The horror of great darkness represents the divine presence and the awe-inspiring nature of encountering God. Darkness often symbolizes mystery, the unknown, and a sense of reverence. It highlights the solemnity of the covenant-making process and the seriousness of the commitment being made.
Application:
- As we reflect on this verse, there are a few key applications we can draw:
- Trusting in God’s promises: Just as Abram fell into a deep sleep, we are called to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His faithfulness. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, we can rely on God’s unfailing word.
- Surrendering to God: Abram’s deep sleep reminds us of the importance of surrendering to God’s plans and purposes for our lives. It is in our submission that God can work mightily through us.
- Reverence and awe: The horror of great darkness highlights the need for reverence and awe in our relationship with God. We should approach God with a sense of respect, acknowledging His holiness and power.
- God’s presence in our lives: The darkness falling upon Abram reminds us that God is always present with us, even in the darkest times. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us in every situation we face.
In conclusion, Genesis 15:12 emphasizes Abram’s trust and surrender to God, as well as the awe-inspiring nature of encountering God’s presence. It invites us to reflect on our own trust in God’s promises, surrender to His plans, and approach Him with reverence and awe.
