Christmas Season · The Holy Family of Jesus: Mary and Joseph · Year B
Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sirach 3:2-6, 12-12
God’s Covenant with Abram
January 1, 2027
Overview & Insights
“And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
In this account God appears twice to Abram, each time giving him special promises. The text gives no indication of the length of time between these appearances, although it must have been at least a day. In the first appearance God gives Abram an object lesson at night (v. 5), and in the next there is mention of the sun setting (v. 12).
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Commentary
Commentary on Genesis 15:1-6 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on God's promise of descendants and Abram's faith reckoned as righteousness.
Genesis 15:1-6 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the invitation to count the stars and Abram simply believing the Lord.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Genesis Chapter 15 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the covenant with Abram, the shield and great reward, and righteousness by faith.
Genesis 15:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the word of the Lord to Abram in a vision, Do not be afraid.
Genesis 15 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse-by-verse study notes gathering many conservative scholars on the Abrahamic covenant.
Background & Word Study
Genesis 15:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew word by word with parsing for shield (magen), reward (sakar), and believed (aman) in verse 6.
Sefaria: Genesis 15 Sefaria
Hebrew text with the Jewish Publication Society translation and classical Jewish commentary on the covenant of the pieces.
BibleProject: Genesis 12-50 Overview BibleProject
Animated literary overview tracing the promise to Abraham that fulfills in Isaac's birth in chapter 21.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is God's covenant with Abram?
God takes the childless Abram outside to count the stars and promises him offspring beyond number; Abram believes, and his faith is reckoned as righteousness.
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