Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

And the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto Abram {H87}, and said {H559}, Unto thy seed {H2233} will I give {H5414} this {H2063} land {H776}: and there builded {H1129} he an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068}, who appeared {H7200} unto him.

Adonai appeared to Avram and said, โ€œTo your descendants I will give this land.โ€ So he built an altar there to Adonai, who had appeared to him.

Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, โ€œI will give this land to your offspring.โ€ So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

And Jehovah appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Jehovah, who appeared unto him.

Commentary

Genesis 12:7 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as God makes a direct and explicit promise to Abram regarding the land of Canaan. This verse highlights divine initiative, covenant promise, and human response through worship.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Abram's obedience to God's call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-3). Having arrived in Canaan, specifically at the place of Shechem (mentioned in the preceding verse, Genesis 12:6), Abram encounters the LORD directly. This appearance is not just a vision but a profound, personal manifestation of God, confirming His presence and intention for Abram in this new land. It's the first time in the narrative where God appears to Abram, solidifying the relationship and the unfolding divine plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appearance and Presence: The phrase "the LORD appeared unto Abram" signifies a direct, personal, and tangible encounter with God. This appearance validates God's call and strengthens Abram's faith, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history.
  • The Land Promise: God explicitly states, "Unto thy seed will I give this land." This is the foundational promise of the Promised Land to Israel, a central theme throughout the Old Testament. It assures Abram that his descendants will inherit the very territory he is currently traversing as a sojourner.
  • Covenant Foundation: While the full covenant is elaborated later (e.g., Genesis 15, Genesis 17), this verse lays the groundwork for the enduring relationship between God, Abram, and his future nation, centered on the land.
  • Abram's Worship and Response: Abram's immediate action, "and there builded he an altar unto the LORD," demonstrates his faith, gratitude, and devotion. Building an altar was an act of worship, a public declaration of his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and His promise. It also served as a memorial of this significant divine encounter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "appeared" is ra'ah (ืจึธืึธื”), which typically means "to see" or "to show oneself." In this context, it implies a visible manifestation of God, not merely an inner voice or dream. This emphasizes the reality and directness of God's communication with Abram. The word for "land" is eretz (ืึถืจึถืฅ), a broad term that can mean earth, country, or specific territory, here referring to the particular geographical area of Canaan.

Practical Application

Genesis 12:7 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness: Just as God initiated a relationship with Abram and faithfully kept His promises, He remains faithful to His people today. His word is trustworthy.
  • Responding to God's Presence: Abram's immediate response of building an altar teaches us the importance of worship and acknowledging God's hand in our lives, especially after experiencing His presence or receiving His promises.
  • Living by Faith: Abram received the promise before seeing its full fulfillment. This verse encourages us to trust God's promises even when the complete picture isn't clear, much like Abram's journey of faith described in the New Testament.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 3:16 (10 votes)

    Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Genesis 17:1 (9 votes)

    ยถ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

  • Genesis 17:8 (9 votes)

    And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

  • Genesis 18:1 (8 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

  • Genesis 13:15 (8 votes)

    For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

  • Genesis 13:4 (7 votes)

    Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

  • Psalms 105:9 (7 votes)

    Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;