Abram (Abraham) had already received the promise of a land and a nation (Genesis 12:1-3). In fact, God had already shown him the Promised Land (Genesis 13:14-17). In this chapter, God establishes His promise of a seed to Abraham and confirms His promise with a covenant. We know this as the Abrahamic Covenant.

What Does It Say?

1. Abram was promised that his servant would not be his heir but “he that shall come forth out of thine own _________ shall be thine _________.”
2. Abram was instructed to sacrifice an _________, a she goat, a ram, a ___________, and a young pigeon.
3. When the ________ came down upon the carcases of the animals, Abram _________ them away.
4. The Lord told Abram of his descendants that in the ________ generation they shall come again, but for now the iniquity of the ____________ is not yet full.
5. The Lord promised to Abram’s seed the land from the river of _________ unto the great river, the river ____________.

What Does It Mean?

1. The Lord described Himself as Abram’s shield and as his exceeding great reward (v.1). Why did God describe Himself in this way? How do these two characteristics complement one another?       
2. In verse twelve, “a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.” Compare this to the sleep that came upon Adam when the Lord took from him a rib and made the woman (Genesis 2:21-22). Sleep is often used as a picture of death (see John 11:11-14). What meaning do you see in the deep sleep of Abram in Genesis 15? What is the typology?
3. The slain animals were laid out with pieces on each side and a space in the middle (Genesis 15:9-10). Later, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp passed between the pieces (Genesis 15:17). Why is God seen as a smoking furnace and a burning lamp? What is the significance of God passing through the pieces while Abram is in a deep sleep? Compare the making of a covenant in Jeremiah 34:18-19. How does it compare with Genesis 15? How is it different?

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. Genesis 15:6 says, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” What is this talking about? Look up where this verse is quoted in Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6. What is the significance of Abram’s faith according to the New Testament passages? How does this apply to us?
2. God told Abram that his seed would be “a stranger in a land that is not theirs” (v.13). What is a stranger? God’s people are often called strangers in the Bible. See Exodus 2:22; Psalm 39:12; Psalm 119:19; 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13-16. What characteristics of strangers apply to Christians today? How are you to be a stranger?

Suggested Memory Verses

Genesis 15:1, 6