151 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision , saying , " Do not fear , Abram , I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great ."
2 Abram said , "O Lord GOD , what will You give me, since I am childless , and the heir e of my house is Eliezer of Damascus ?" 3 And Abram said , "Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir ." 4 Then behold , the word of the Lord came to him, saying , "This man will not be your heir ; but one who will come forth from your own body , he shall be your heir ." 5 And He took him outside and said , "Now look toward the heavens , and count the stars , if you are able to count them." And He said to him, " So shall your descendants be." 6 Then he believed in the Lord ; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 15:1-6
Commentary on Genesis 15:1
(Read Genesis 15:1)
God assured Abram of safety and happiness; that he should for ever be safe. I am thy shield; or, I am a shield to thee, present with thee, actually caring for thee. The consideration that God himself is, and will be a shield to his people, to secure them from all evils, a shield ready to them, and a shield round about them, should silence all perplexing, tormenting fears.
Commentary on Genesis 15:2-6
(Read Genesis 15:2-6)
Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to complain to him; and to state all our grievances. It is ease to a burdened spirit, to open its case to a faithful and compassionate friend. Abram's complaint is, that he had no child; that he was never likely to have any; that the want of a son was so great a trouble to him, that it took away all his comfort. If we suppose that Abram looked no further than outward comfort, this complaint was to be blamed. But if we suppose that Abram herein had reference to the promised Seed, his desire was very commendable. Till we have evidence of our interest in Christ, we should not rest satisfied; what will all avail me, if I go Christless? If we continue instant in prayer, yet pray with humble submission to the Divine will, we shall not seek in vain. God gave Abram an express promise of a son. Christians may believe in God with respect to the common concerns of this life; but the faith by which they are justified, always has respect to the person and work of Christ. Abram believed in God as promising Christ; they believe in him as having raised him from the dead, Romans 4:24. Through faith in his blood they obtain forgiveness of sins.