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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 13:14–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of a gracious visit which God paid to Abram, to confirm the promise to him and his. Observe,
I.When it was that God renewed and ratified the promise: After that Lot was separated from him, that is,
1.After the quarrel was over; for those are best prepared for the visits of divine grace whose spirits are calm and sedate, and not ruffled with any passion.
2.After Abram's humble self-denying condescensions to Lot for the preserving of peace. It was then that God came to him with this token of his favour. Note, God will abundantly make up in spiritual peace what we lose for the preservation of neighbourly peace. When Abram had willingly offered Lot one-half of his right, God came, and confirmed the whole to him.
3.After he had lost the comfortable society of his kinsman, by whose departure his hands were weakened and his heart was saddened, then God came to him with these good words and comfortable words. Note, Communion with God may, at any time, serve to make up the want of conversation with our friends; when our relations are separated from us, yet God is not.
4.After Lot had chosen that pleasant fruitful vale, and had gone to take possession of it, lest Abram should be tempted to envy him and to repent that he had given him the choice, God comes to him, and assures him that what he had should remain to him and his heirs for ever; so that, though Lot perhaps had the better land, yet Abram had the better title. Lot had the paradise, such as it was, but Abram had the promise; and the event soon made it appear that, however it seemed now, Abram had really the better part. See Job 22:20. God owned Abram after his strife with Lot, as the churches owned Paul after his strife with Barnabas, Act 15:39, Act 15:40.
II.The promises themselves with which God now comforted and enriched Abram. Two things he assures him of - a good land, and a numerous issue to enjoy it.
1.Here is the grant of a good land, a land famous above all lands, for it was to be the holy land, and Immanuel's land; this is the land here spoken of.
(1.)God here shows Abram the land, as he had promised (Gen 12:1), and afterwards he showed it to Moses from the top of Pisgah. Lot had lifted up his eyes and beheld the plain of Jordan (Gen 13:10), and he had gone to enjoy what he saw: "Come," says God to Abram, "now lift thou up thy eyes, and look, and see thy own." Note, That which God has to show us is infinitely better and more desirable than any thing that the world has to offer our view. The prospects of an eye of faith are much more rich and beautiful than those of an eye of sense. Those for whom the heavenly Canaan is designed in the other world have sometimes, by faith, a comfortable prospect of it in their present state; for we look at the things that are not seen, as real, though distant.
(2.)He secures this land to him and his seed for ever (Gen 13:15): To thee will I give it; and again (Gen 13:17) I will give it unto thee; every repetition of the promise is a ratification of it. To thee and thy seed, not to Lot and his seed; they were not to have their inheritance in this land, and therefore Providence so ordered it that Lot should be separated from Abram first, and then the grant should be confirmed to him and his seed. Thus God often brings good out of evil, and makes men's sins and follies subservient to his own wise and holy counsels. To thee and thy seed - to thee to sojourn in as a stranger, to thy seed to dwell and rule in as proprietors. To thee, that is, to thy seed. The granting of it to him and his for ever intimates that it was typical of the heavenly Canaan, which is given to the spiritual seed of Abram for ever, Heb 11:14.
(3.)He gives him livery and seisin of it, though it was a reversion: "Arise, walk through the land, Gen 13:17. Enter, and take possession, survey the parcels, and it will appear better than upon a distant prospect." Note, God is willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his covenant, and the inestimable worth of covenant blessings. Go, walk about Sion, Psa 48:12.
2.Here is the promise of a numerous issue to replenish this good land, so that it should never be lost for want of heirs (Gen 13:16): I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth, that is, "They shall increase incredibly, and, take them altogether, they shall be such a great multitude as no man can number." They were so in Solomon's time, Kg1 4:20, Judah and Israel were many as the sand which is by the sea in multitude. This God here gives him the promise of. Note, The same God that provides the inheritance provides the heirs. He that has prepared the holy land prepares the holy seed; he that gives glory gives grace to make meet for glory.
Lastly, We are told what Abram did when God had thus confirmed the promise to him, Gen 13:18. 1. He removed his tent. God bade him walk through the land, that is, "Do not think of fixing in it, but expect to be always unsettled, and walking through it to a better Canaan:" in compliance with God's will herein, he removes his tent, confirming himself to the condition of a pilgrim. 2. He built there an altar, in token of his thankfulness to God for the kind visit he had paid him. Note, When God meets us with gracious promises, he expects that we should attend him with our humble praises.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Abraham, styled "the friend," [Isaiah 41:8] was found faithful, inasmuch as he rendered obedience to the words of God. He, in the exercise of obedience, went out from his own country, and from his kindred, and from his father's house, in order that, by forsaking a small territory, and a weak family, and an insignificant house, he might inherit the promises of God. For God said to him, "Get you out from your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, into the land which I shall show you. And I will make you a great nation, and will bless you, and make your name great, and you shall be blessed. And I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you; and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed." [Genesis 12:1-3] And again, on his departing from Lot, God said to him, "Lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you now are, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see, to you will I give it, and to your seed forever. And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth, [so that] if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall your seed also be numbered." [Genesis 13:14-16] And again [the Scripture] says, "God brought forth Abram, and spoke unto him, Look up now to heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them; so shall your seed be. And Abram believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." [Genesis 15:5-6] On account of his faith and hospitality, a son was given him in his old age; and in the exercise of obedience, he offered him as a sacrifice to God on one of the mountains which He showed him. [Genesis 22:9]
(Verse 14 and 15.) Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, towards the north, south, east, and west; for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring. He set the four regions of the world: east, west, north, and south. But what is read in all the Scriptures, let it suffice to say once, that the sea is always considered to be in the west: because the region of Palestine is situated in such a way that the sea is in the western part.
And the Lord said to Abram after Lot had separated from him: Lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward and southward and eastward and westward: all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. Some manuscripts have "unto the age," which both translate from the one Greek term Aeonion, αἰὼν. Therefore, if it is read as "unto eternity," it rightly raises the question of how Abraham's offspring can possess that land eternally, whereas human life in this world cannot be everlasting. But if it is read as "unto the age," and thus understood, as we faithfully hold, that the beginning of the future age will commence from the end of the present, no question will arise: because even if the Israelites were expelled from Jerusalem, they still remain in other cities of the land of Canaan, and will remain until the end, and that entire land is inhabited with Christians, and they themselves are the seed of Abraham. It can also be mystically understood to have been said to blessed Abraham, "all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever"; because the region of the heavenly homeland, which that land of promise prefigured, is thus possessed in full by all the elect, namely the seed of Abraham, so that they remain in it without end, according to what is said of the fire of the burnt offering in Exodus: This is a perpetual fire that shall never go out on the altar. For neither could that material fire, by which sacrifices were burnt in the tabernacle, be perpetual, since even the tabernacle itself, the very altar, and the priesthood have long been taken away. But the fire of love, by which the elect are inflamed to offer sacrifices of prayers or good deeds to God, never fails on the altar, that is, from their hearts which were represented by that Mosaic altar: because in this life they fervently love with divine love, and in the future, seeing God more perfectly, they love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their strength. And you will find many such things in the ceremonies of the law, which although they were said to be done or to remain with perpetual right, are yet proven not to have been perpetual except when spiritually understood.
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Summary
Genesis 13:15 stands as a profound divine declaration, unequivocally reaffirming and expanding God's covenant promises to Abram concerning the land. Following the amicable yet significant separation from Lot, God intervenes to reassure Abram, instructing him to survey the vast territory around him and declaring that all the land he could see, in every direction, would be given to him and his descendants perpetually, thereby solidifying the foundational land component of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 13:15 is situated immediately after the pivotal separation of Abram and his nephew Lot, detailed in Genesis 13:5-13. The increasing wealth of both men led to strife between their herdsmen, prompting Abram to propose a division of the land to maintain peace. Lot, attracted by the well-watered plains of the Jordan, chose to settle near Sodom, leaving Abram in the less fertile, yet divinely designated, hill country of Canaan. In this moment of potential isolation or uncertainty for Abram, God actively intervenes. The preceding verse, Genesis 13:14, directly sets the stage, with God commanding Abram to "lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward." This visual command underscores the vastness and tangibility of the promised inheritance, serving as a divine reassurance and an expansion of the initial land promise made in Genesis 12:7.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, land was the primary source of wealth, security, and identity. Nomadic peoples like Abram's clan relied on access to pastures and water, making the division with Lot a practical necessity. Divine grants of land were not uncommon in ancient treaties and covenants, but God's promise to Abram stands out due to its unilateral and unconditional nature. Canaan itself was a land inhabited by various peoples (e.g., Canaanites, Perizzites, Genesis 13:7), making God's promise of its future possession to Abram's descendants a bold and sovereign declaration. The concept of "seed" (descendants) inheriting land was crucial for establishing a lasting lineage and national identity, which would become central to the future nation of Israel.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His commitment even when human circumstances might suggest otherwise. The centrality of the land as a physical inheritance and a stage for God's redemptive plan is profoundly emphasized; it is not merely territory but a divinely appointed space for the covenant people. Furthermore, the theme of divine sovereignty is evident in God's unilateral declaration to "give" the land, asserting His absolute authority over creation and human destiny. Finally, the promise to Abram's "seed" underscores the multi-generational and enduring nature of the covenant, foreshadowing the development of a chosen nation through whom God's universal blessings would flow, as first outlined in Genesis 12:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 13:15 is a direct, powerful divine declaration, expanding upon and reaffirming the initial promises made to Abram.
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to the earth at large, or more specifically, a country or territory. In this context, it denotes the specific geographical region of Canaan that God is promising to Abram. The emphasis is not just on any land, but on this particular, divinely chosen territory, which will become the physical embodiment of God's covenant with Israel and the stage for their national and spiritual history.
A versatile primitive root, "nâthan" signifies to bestow, grant, or deliver. Here, it emphasizes the sovereign and unconditional nature of God's promise. The land is not earned or achieved by Abram; it is a direct, unmerited gift from God, highlighting His initiative and absolute authority in the covenant relationship. This verb underscores the divine origin and certainty of the land's future possession.
Derived from the verb "to sow," "zeraʻ" literally means "seed." Figuratively, it refers to offspring, progeny, or posterity. In Genesis 13:15, it refers to Abram's physical descendants, who will collectively inherit the promised land. This term is crucial for understanding the multi-generational scope of the Abrahamic Covenant, extending the promise far beyond Abram's lifetime to the future nation of Israel.
This word, often translated as "forever," "eternal," or "perpetual," denotes an indefinite duration, reaching back into the distant past or forward into the unending future. When applied to divine promises and covenants, "ʻôwlâm" signifies an enduring, unbreakable commitment from God's perspective. It emphasizes the perpetual nature of the land promise, indicating that God's intention for Israel's possession of this land is not temporary but an everlasting decree.
Verse Breakdown
"For all the land which thou seest,"
This opening clause highlights the immediate, visual scope of the promise. God invites Abram to physically survey the territory, making the vastness of the promised inheritance tangible to him. It encompasses the entirety of Canaan, a land of strategic and theological significance, emphasizing that the boundaries of the promise are as far as Abram's eyes can behold from his vantage point. This visual act serves to reinforce the reality and magnitude of God's gift.
"to thee will I give it,"
This segment emphasizes the direct recipient of the promise—Abram himself. While he would not fully possess it in his lifetime, the promise was personally made to him, establishing his claim and the divine origin of the land's future ownership. The verb "give" (Hebrew: nâthan) denotes a sovereign, unconditional bestowal, highlighting God's grace and power in fulfilling His word, independent of human merit or effort.
"and to thy seed for ever."
This extends the promise beyond Abram to his descendants. The term "seed" (Hebrew: zeraʻ) is a collective noun that refers to a multitude of descendants, signifying the future nation of Israel. In this context, it primarily denotes Abram's physical offspring through whom the covenant line would continue. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: ʻôwlâm) indicates an indefinite duration, often perpetual or eternal, especially when referring to divine promises or covenants. It signifies the enduring nature of God's commitment to Israel's possession of the land, establishing a perpetual claim rooted in divine decree and underscoring the covenant's reliability and permanence.
Literary Devices
Genesis 13:15 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Divine Declaration, where God directly speaks to Abram, underscoring the authoritative and unconditional nature of the promise. This direct address from the Creator to a human emphasizes the covenant's divine origin and certainty. Furthermore, the phrase "all the land which thou seest" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Exaggeration, as Abram could not literally see the entire vast expanse of Canaan from one vantage point. Instead, it conveys the immense scope and boundless generosity of God's gift, implying that the land would extend as far as the eye could possibly imagine in every direction. The verse also utilizes Covenant Language, particularly through the verb "give" and the adverbial phrase "for ever," which are characteristic terms used to establish and affirm binding agreements in the ancient Near East, highlighting the enduring and unbreakable nature of God's commitment to Abram and his descendants.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 13:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the unconditional nature of His covenant with Abram. This divine re-affirmation, following the separation from Lot, underscores that God's promises are not contingent upon human circumstances or choices, but solely on His sovereign will and character. The land, far from being a mere geographical parcel, is presented as a foundational element of God's redemptive plan, serving as the physical stage upon which the covenant people would live out their relationship with God, develop into a nation, and ultimately become a source of blessing to all humanity. This promise of a perpetual inheritance highlights God's long-term vision and His commitment to establishing a people and a place through whom His purposes would unfold across generations.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 13:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily calling us to a deep and unwavering trust in God's promises, even when their full realization seems distant or unclear. Just as Abram was called to trust God's declaration for a vast land he could only see in part, we are invited to live by faith in God's overarching plan for our lives and for the world, even when the path ahead is not fully visible. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenants; if God promised and delivered on such a grand scale to Abram and his descendants, He will surely be faithful to His promises to us, empowering us to live with spiritual vision, unwavering hope, and a confident expectation in His perfect and eternal purposes, knowing that His word is always true and His gifts are irrevocable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the promise of the land to Abram and his seed still relevant today?
Yes, the promise of the land to Israel remains profoundly relevant as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people. While the physical possession of the land has seen various historical fulfillments, challenges, and interpretations, the promise itself is eternal, rooted in God's unchanging character and His covenantal commitment. For Christians, it also points to a greater spiritual inheritance in Christ, encompassing not just a physical territory but also the spiritual blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant and a share in God's eternal kingdom.
What is the significance of God instructing Abram to "see" the land?
God's instruction for Abram to "lift up now thine eyes, and look" (Genesis 13:14) was a deeply significant and tangible act designed to reinforce the promise. It allowed Abram to visually grasp the vastness and concrete reality of what God was giving him and his descendants. This personal, visual engagement transformed an abstract promise into a tangible reality, strengthening Abram's faith and providing a concrete basis for his trust in God's word, making the divine promise more immediate and personal.
Does "for ever" truly mean eternally in this context?
The Hebrew word ʻôwlâm (H5769), translated "for ever," denotes an indefinite, often perpetual, duration. When applied to divine covenants and promises, as it is here, it signifies an enduring, unbreakable commitment from God's perspective. It implies that the land promise, as an integral part of the Abrahamic Covenant, is not temporary or conditional upon human performance but perpetual in its divine intent. While the historical manifestations of this promise have varied, its ultimate theological significance as an eternal commitment from God remains.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Genesis 13:15 primarily refers to the physical land promised to Abram's physical descendants, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment finds a spiritual dimension in Jesus Christ. The "seed" mentioned in the promise, while initially referring to the nation of Israel, is prophetically interpreted by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:16 as singularly pointing to Jesus Christ, the one true Seed through whom all God's promises are affirmed. Through faith in Christ, believers, whether Jew or Gentile, become spiritual "heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29), inheriting eternal life, the boundless spiritual blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant, and a place in God's eternal kingdom. This spiritual inheritance far transcends any physical territory, pointing to the "better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16) and the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4) where God will dwell with His people forever. Thus, the physical land promise to Abram serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the infinitely greater and eternal spiritual dwelling place secured for all who are found in Christ.