Chapters 15 and 16

Notes for Chapter 15

1      After these things:  indication that some time has elapsed.

2      In Abram's day a man without children could adopt a male servant who would then inherit all his goods.

6     Believed:  The form of the verb may indicate that this is Abram's usual way of responding to what YHWH has said.

      Reckon:  In Romans 4:3 it could be understood in the rabbinic tradition that God owed it to Abraham (4:4-5).  Yet Paul goes on to show that it was by faith and not by a deed that he was counted righteous.  For which came first, faith or deed?

10      In Abram's culture when people made a covenant with one anther they often slaughtered animals, and then both parties walked down an aisle with the piece of slaughtered animals on either side.  If one of the parties failed to live up to the covenant, that party would be cursed with the same fate as the animals - although this would be unusual for God to say, for often the formula is "As I live, says YHWH" (Numbers 41:21).

17      Smoke and fire are symbolic of the presence of God, Exodus 13:21; 19:18; 20:18.

The two scenes of chapter 15 reveal that Abram's life foreshadows Israel, in faith and in Exodus.

Questions for Chapter 15

· Why in 15:2 does Abram question the revelation of YHWH in 15:1?  What does his childlessness call into question?

· Abram believed the LORD.  What did he believe about the LORD?  Why would this comment be necessary at this time?

· Usually righteousness is defined in terms of what is done (Ezekiel 18:5);  how is it different here?

· Romans 4 is crucial to the argument of Romans.  It is a retelling of the story of Abraham in the context of God's unfolding of His plan of salvation.  It is crucial because of the place that Abraham enjoyed in the rabbinic tradition of the time.  In Jewish literature contemporary to Paul, it was said that Abraham had accumulated so much merit that Jews in later periods could draw upon it themselves.  Given this popular tradition, Paul a to show that not even Abraham was justified by his works.  Romans 4:3-4 and 22-23 use a form of the expression "credited to him as righteousness."  How does this relate to the meaning of justification in Romans 3?  In Romans 4, which comes first, faith or acts of obedience?  How does this hinge on the phrase "reckon"?  How does Hebrews 11:8-19 and James 2:18-24 connect faith and acts of obedience?

· How does God illustrate His intention to fulfill His covenant with Abram?

· Explain how 15:13-16 is fulfilled.  Read Exodus 1:6-13; 12:29-36.

· When doubt attacks us, how does God seek to overcome the temptations (1 Corinthians 10)?  How does the way in which our Lord deals with Thomas in John 2o help?

· What has God promised to you?  What assurance, or seal, of the promise do you have from God that insures the promise?  What is expected of you?

Chapter 16

Theme:  Abram and Sarai attempt to bless themselves.

Notes for Chapter 16

1      Note how this recalls Genesis 12:2-3

2-6     childlessness:  ascribed to God (25:21; 30:2; Leviticus 20:20,21; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalm 113:9).

Polygamy was a means of solving childlessness in ancient Near East.     Wealthier wives preferred practice of surrogate mothers, whereby they allowed their husbands to take their maids.  The mistress then could exercise greater control over that woman and child that she could not over a second wife.

Hagar incident:  1) 15:4 suggests that something abnormal will happen, 2) Sarai takes initiative as Abram did in Genesis 12:2-3, 3) Allusion to Genesis 3 (took . . . gave)

7-14      Angel of the LORD.  Often LORD Himself (18:2,22; Judges 6:11-22).  Appears in personal crisis (21:17; 22:11,15)

submit:  the word is related to humiliate and oppress, related to Israel's oppression in Egypt.  Why would the LORD ask this of her?  The promises in the subsequent verses.

15Note that Sarai is absent, and three times the text says "Hagar

gave birth to a son for Abram."  Though she schemed, she is shut out from

its fulfillment.

Questions for Chapter 16

· How is this arrangement between Abram, Sari, and Hagar a manipulation of God's Word?  What was the consequence of Hagar's pregnancy?  How was she treated by Sarai and why?

· When we have involved ourselves in questionable activities, how do we attempt to justify, exonerate or defend ourselves?  What does the example of Abram and Sarai teach us?

· How does God intervene to undo what Abram and Sarai have done?

· Despite our interference, what is God able to accomplish in the life of the Church?  How might our lives resemble Hagar's life?

· In what ways do you see Genesis 16:12 being fulfilled today?

· Do we know if this child is the one promised in Genesis 15:4?

· What has chapter 16 added to our understanding of the blessing in Genesis 12:2-3?  How are we moved closer to Christ and His promises?

Conclusion:  Hasty action springing from unbelief does not advance God's purposes.  Yet sinful action can be redeemed by God's intent.