War and Fear
In Genesis 15:1, God speaks words of comfort directly to fearful Abram.
“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’”
The words” “after this” are similar to the word, “therefore.” They alert us to remember the context. What happened previously in Abram’s life in Genesis 14 that might prompt a response of fear?
Genesis 14 is a warfare text. First, Kedorlaomer the king of Elamand, and the three kings allied with him, conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites. Then we witness a battle between nine kings—four on Kedorlaomer’s side, and five on the other side. Kedorlaomer and his allies win. In doing so, they take captive Abram’s nephew, Lot (Genesis 14:11-12).
Abram hears that his relative has been enslaved, calls up his own army, attacks the four kings, and brings back Lot (Genesis 14:14-17).
We might assume that with victory won, it is now war and peace. Not so. Gill, in his commentary on Genesis 15:1, aptly explains the legitimate reason for Abram’s fear.
“…lest the nations that belonged to the four kings he had conquered and slain should recruit their armies, and come
To continue...read the full-length post originally published on this site.
