Genesis 15:7

KJV

¶ And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, I am the LORD {H3068} that brought thee out {H3318} of Ur {H218} of the Chaldees {H3778}, to give {H5414} thee this land {H776} to inherit {H3423} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to him, "I am ADONAI, who brought you out from Ur-Kasdim to give you this land as your possession."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, I am Jehovah that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Genesis 15:7, God profoundly identifies Himself to Abram as "the LORD" (Yahweh), underscoring His eternal, covenant-keeping nature and His active involvement in human history. He reminds Abram of His past faithfulness by recounting the pivotal act of bringing him out of Ur of the Chaldees, establishing this foundational deliverance as the unwavering guarantee for His future promise to bestow the land of Canaan upon Abram and his descendants as an everlasting inheritance. This divine declaration powerfully reinforces God's absolute reliability and the certain fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 15:7 occurs at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Abrahamic covenant. Immediately preceding this verse, Abram has expressed his deep concern about not having an heir and the uncertainty of inheriting the promised land, despite God's earlier assurances. In response, God reaffirms His promise of countless descendants, likening them to the stars in the heavens, which Abram "believed the LORD" ([Genesis 15:5-6](/genesis/15-5-6 "God's promise of descendants and Abram's belief")). This declaration of faith is foundational. Genesis 15:7 then serves as God's direct self-identification and a specific, historical reminder of His past actions, providing a tangible basis for Abram's continued trust. It directly precedes the formal covenant ceremony in Genesis 15:9-21, where God ratifies His promises through a solemn, binding ritual, making this verse a crucial bridge between Abram's faith and God's covenantal commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abram's original home, Ur of the Chaldees, was a highly advanced and influential Sumerian city-state in Mesopotamia, characterized by its sophisticated urban planning, extensive trade networks, and, significantly, its pervasive polytheistic worship, particularly of the moon god Nanna (Sin). God's call to Abram to leave this familiar, prosperous, and idolatrous environment ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's call to Abram and initial promises")) was a radical act of divine initiative, demanding complete reliance on an unseen God. The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: *yārash*) was deeply significant in the ancient Near East, often involving the transfer of property, status, or blessings from one generation to the next, typically through a legal process or conquest. God's promise of a land inheritance would have resonated with Abram's understanding of patrimony and security, yet it was entirely contingent on divine power and promise rather than human effort or existing legal frameworks.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as God is the one who calls, acts, and promises, initiating the relationship with Abram and orchestrating his deliverance. The theme of **God's Faithfulness (Hesed)** is central, demonstrated by His consistent character in fulfilling past promises and guaranteeing future ones. This builds upon the concept of **Covenant**, establishing the framework for God's relationship with His chosen people, where His promises are binding and reliable. The **Land Promise** is a recurring and vital theme, representing not merely a physical territory but the place where God's people would dwell securely, multiply, and serve Him, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual inheritance. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Self-Revelation**, as God progressively discloses His identity, most notably as "the LORD" (Yahweh), to deepen Abram's understanding and trust in Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the Hebrew H3068, this is the sacred, personal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal," emphasizing God's absolute being, His unchanging nature, and His covenant faithfulness. By identifying Himself as "the LORD," God reveals His unique identity as the sovereign, personal God who actively enters into relationship and keeps His promises, distinguishing Himself from all other deities.
* **brought thee out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From the Hebrew H3318, this primitive root means "to go out" or, in its causative form as used here, "to bring out." It denotes a powerful, deliberate, and active intervention. God's act of bringing Abram out of Ur was not a passive leading but a decisive, sovereign act of deliverance, demonstrating His power to separate, deliver, and initiate a new path for His chosen one. This past action serves as a concrete example of God's ability to fulfill His word.
* **inherit (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** From the Hebrew H3423, this root means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." In this context, it speaks of receiving a possession as a rightful heir, implying not just temporary occupation but permanent ownership and dominion. God's promise to "inherit" the land signifies a secure, lasting possession, a foundational element of the covenant that ensures a place for Abram's descendants and the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him,"**: This opening phrase signifies a direct, personal communication from God to Abram, highlighting the intimate and authoritative nature of the divine address. It sets the stage for a revelation of God's identity and purpose, reinforcing the covenantal dialogue already established between them.
* **"I [am] the LORD"**: This is a profound divine self-disclosure, where God reveals His personal, covenant name, Yahweh (H3068). It is a declaration of His self-existence, eternal nature, and His unique relationship with His people. This statement establishes the speaker's absolute authority and trustworthiness, distinguishing Him from any other power or deity Abram might have known.
* **"that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees,"**: God grounds His identity and authority in a specific, undeniable historical act. Ur of the Chaldees (H218, H3778) was Abram's pagan homeland, and God's act of bringing him out (H3318) was a powerful demonstration of His sovereign initiative and power. This past deliverance serves as a tangible, verifiable proof of God's faithfulness and ability to act on behalf of His chosen.
* **"to give thee this land to inherit it."**: This clause explicitly states the divine purpose behind Abram's deliverance from Ur. The act of "bringing out" was directly linked to the promise of "giving" (H5414) and "inheriting" (H3423) the land (H776). This reiterates the central land promise of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing that the land is a divine gift and a permanent, secure inheritance, providing the geographical and cultural context for the future nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 15:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Self-Disclosure**, where God explicitly reveals His personal name, "the LORD" (Yahweh), which is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, establishing His unique identity and covenantal relationship. This is immediately followed by **Historical Grounding**, as God anchors His identity and future promises in a verifiable past event ("that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees"). This rhetorical strategy provides a concrete, undeniable basis for Abram's trust. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, as the promise of "this land to inherit it" is deeply embedded in the established covenant promises, reinforcing their binding and enduring nature. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition and Reiteration**, as the land promise, first given in Genesis 12, is reaffirmed here, emphasizing its importance and God's unwavering commitment to its fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 15:7 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering character and covenant faithfulness. By revealing Himself as "the LORD" (Yahweh) and recalling His past act of bringing Abram out of Ur, God provides a firm foundation for Abram's faith in the future promise of the land. This verse underscores that God's identity is intrinsically linked to His actions and His word; He is the sovereign, self-existent God who initiates relationships, delivers His people, and unfailingly fulfills His promises. The past deliverance from Ur serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to overcome any obstacle to His purposes, thereby guaranteeing the future inheritance of the land. This consistent pattern of divine faithfulness provides a model for understanding God's reliability across all generations.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God is a faithful God, keeping covenant and steadfast love")
* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's call to Abram and the initial covenant promises")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abram's faith in seeking a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 15:7 offers profound insights for our own walk of faith. Just as God reminded Abram of His past faithfulness in delivering him from Ur to assure him of the future land inheritance, we too are called to remember and reflect upon God's consistent interventions and provisions in our lives and throughout redemptive history. This verse teaches us that our confidence in God's future guidance, provision, and fulfillment of His promises should be firmly rooted in His proven track record. When faced with uncertainty or doubt, we can look back at the "Urs" from which God has brought us out – whether they be spiritual bondage, challenging circumstances, or past failures – and draw strength from His unchanging character. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in the God who is faithful to complete what He has begun, knowing that His identity as "the LORD" guarantees His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This calls us to a life of active remembrance and confident expectation, believing that the God who has acted powerfully in the past will surely continue to lead us into our promised inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Ur of the Chaldees" has God brought you out of in your life, and how does remembering that act of deliverance strengthen your faith today?**
* **How does God's self-identification as "the LORD" (Yahweh) in this verse deepen your understanding of His character and trustworthiness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God to fulfill a promise, and how can the principle of His past faithfulness encourage you in that waiting?**

### FAQ
**Why does God remind Abram of Ur of the Chaldees?**

Answer: God reminds Abram of Ur of the Chaldees to underscore His sovereignty, initiative, and faithfulness. Bringing Abram out of his idolatrous homeland was a powerful, miraculous act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's ability and commitment to His chosen one. This past act serves as a tangible guarantee and a firm foundation for Abram to trust in God's future promise to give him the land, reinforcing that the God who initiates a work is faithful to complete it. It’s a reminder that God’s promises are rooted in His demonstrated power and steadfast love, providing a historical anchor for future faith.

**What is the significance of God identifying Himself as "the LORD" (Yahweh) here?**

Answer: God's identification as "the LORD" (Yahweh) is profoundly significant because it is His personal, covenant name (H3068). Unlike generic titles for deity, Yahweh signifies God's self-existence, His eternal nature, and His unique, faithful relationship with His people. By revealing this name, God assures Abram that the one making the promises is the sovereign, trustworthy God who actively intervenes in history and keeps His word, establishing a personal bond of trust and distinguishing Himself from the false gods of Abram's past. This self-revelation builds the foundation for all subsequent covenant interactions.

**How does the promise of "this land to inherit it" relate to God's broader redemptive plan?**

Answer: The promise of "this land to inherit it" (H776, H3423) is foundational to God's broader redemptive plan, serving as a crucial step towards the establishment of His kingdom. It provides a physical space where Abram's descendants would grow into a distinct nation, Israel, through whom God would reveal His law, establish His worship, and ultimately bring forth the Messiah. The land represents not only a physical inheritance but also a place of security, identity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant purposes, foreshadowing the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest promised to all believers in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "The promise of eternal rest")). It is a tangible expression of God's commitment to His people and His plan to bless all nations through them, culminating in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 15:7 directly concerns the physical land promise to Abram, its ultimate fulfillment and theological trajectory point powerfully to Christ. The land of Canaan, though a significant earthly inheritance, was a type and shadow of the greater spiritual inheritance and eternal rest found in Christ. Just as God sovereignly brought Abram out of the idolatry of Ur into a promised land, Christ delivers believers from the bondage of sin and the dominion of this fallen world, bringing them into the spiritual kingdom of God and promising an eternal inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter/1-3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "The spiritual inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5")). The faithfulness of God demonstrated in bringing Abram out and giving him the land is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who secures for His people a far greater and everlasting inheritance through His new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, the mediator of a new covenant, securing an eternal inheritance")). Through Christ, believers become heirs according to the promise, inheriting not merely a physical territory but a spiritual reality that encompasses reconciliation with God, eternal life, and participation in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ in Romans 8:17"); [Revelation 21:1-7](/revelation/21-1-7 "The new creation and God's dwelling with humanity in Revelation 21:1-7")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Acts 7:4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Genesis 12:1

¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Genesis 13:15

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

Genesis 13:17

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

Psalms 105:44

And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;