Genesis 15:2

¶ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

And Abram {H87} said {H559}, Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, what wilt thou give {H5414} me, seeing I go {H1980} childless {H6185}, and the steward {H1121}{H4943} of my house {H1004} is this {H1931} Eliezer {H461} of Damascus {H1834}?

Avram replied, "ADONAI, God, what good will your gifts be to me if I continue childless; and Eli'ezer from Dammesek inherits my possessions?

But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?

Commentary

Context

Genesis 15:2 finds Abram (later renamed Abraham) in a moment of profound vulnerability and questioning, following God's reassurance in Genesis 15:1. Despite God's repeated promises to make him a great nation and give him countless descendants, Abram remains childless. This verse captures his honest struggle with the reality of his situation versus the divine promise. In ancient Near Eastern culture, having an heir was paramount for inheritance and legacy, and being childless was considered a significant misfortune. Abram's concern about Eliezer of Damascus inheriting his estate highlights the prevailing custom where, in the absence of a natural-born son, a trusted servant could be adopted as an heir to manage the household and property.

Key Themes

  • Abram's Honest Plea: This verse reveals Abram's genuine and human reaction to God's promise. He isn't doubting God's power, but rather the practical fulfillment of the promise given his advanced age and childless state. It shows that God welcomes our honest questions and concerns, even when they arise from our struggles with His promises.
  • The Problem of Childlessness: Central to Abram's lament is his lack of an heir. This was not merely a personal desire but a societal necessity for lineage and inheritance. The idea of a servant like Eliezer inheriting was a common practice, but it fell short of the divine promise of a biological descendant who would establish a great nation.
  • God's Unwavering Covenant: Abram's question sets the stage for God to clarify and dramatically reaffirm His covenant. This moment of doubt becomes a catalyst for God to reiterate His commitment, leading to the pivotal covenant ceremony detailed later in the chapter, where God promises Abram a direct heir and descendants as numerous as the stars (see Genesis 15:5).

Linguistic Insights

The address "Lord GOD" is significant. In the Hebrew, it is often `Adonai Elohim` or `Adonai Yahweh` (where KJV uses "LORD" in all caps for `Yahweh`). `Adonai` (אֲדֹנָי) signifies "my Lord" or "my Master," emphasizing Abram's submission and respect for God's sovereignty. `Elohim` (אֱלֹהִים) is the general Hebrew word for God, highlighting His creative and powerful nature. The combination underscores Abram's reverence while also expressing his deep, personal plea to his divine Master regarding a matter of utmost importance.

Practical Application

Abram's interaction with God in Genesis 15:2 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Honesty in Prayer: We can bring our deepest concerns, fears, and even our questions about God's promises directly to Him. God is not intimidated by our doubts; He desires our honest communication.
  • Trusting God's "How": Just as Abram struggled with the method of God's fulfillment, we often face situations where God's promises seem impossible in our current circumstances. This verse reminds us to trust God's plan and timing, even when the "how" is unclear.
  • God's Faithfulness Amidst Delay: God's promises may not unfold according to our timeline or expectations, but His faithfulness is unwavering. Abram's enduring faith, despite years of waiting, is a testament to trusting God's character (see Romans 4:18-22).
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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:5 (2 votes)

    And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child.

  • Genesis 25:21 (2 votes)

    And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Psalms 127:3 (1 votes)

    Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

  • Genesis 44:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks [with] food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

  • Genesis 39:4 (1 votes)

    And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.

  • Genesis 39:6 (1 votes)

    And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

  • Proverbs 17:2 (1 votes)

    ¶ A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.