and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him;
or such darkness as was horrible and terrible, so it was represented to his mind in vision; which signified the great afflictions after expressed by darkness, that should come upon his children in Egypt and elsewhere: and so Jarchi says it refers to the distresses and darkness of their captivities in Egypt, and in other places. The Targumists observe, that Abram in this vision saw the four monarchies that should bring his children into bondage. ~ John Gill
As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
~ Genesis 15:12-14
A prophecy that most definitely came true. Exodus 12:40-41
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
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Old Testament: Genesis 13:5-15:21
We’ll read about a new beginning. God chastened Abram in Egypt. And Abram returned to the land he never should have left. He was a very wealthy man. But his tent and altar were the most valuable things he possessed.
We’ll read about a new burden. While in Egypt, Lot acquired wealth and a taste for the world. And his temporal interests were partly Abram’s fault. God forgave Abram’s sin. But he did not prevent the sad consequences.
Abram was a peacemaker because he lived by faith. Lot was a troublemaker because he lived by sight. Abram chose a heavenly city. Lot chose an earthly city, and a wicked one at that.
The city appeared to be ideal, but it was headed for destruction. And then we’ll read about a new blessing. The man of faith always receives a special word from God, after a time of testing. Let others take what they want.
Our God gives us far more than they can ever imagine. Abram lifted up his eyes and saw the land. He lifted up his feet and claimed it by faith. Then he lifted up his heart and worshiped God. Lot had broken Abram’s heart.
But God blessed Abram’s heart and made him a blessing. And then, as we move on into chapter 14 of Genesis, we’ll read about the three victories. Abram wins. There is a victory over lot. You see, it would have been easy for Abram to let Lot suffer the sad consequences of his own foolish decision.
But a man of faith is called to be a blessing. So Abram went to the rescue. Lot was not a very dedicated believer, but he was still a brother, and he needed some help. Lot went right back into Sodom. But Abram did what he did for the lord, and see, that’s what really counts. The second victory was a victory over the kings. Abram the pilgrim would never have gotten involved in the war except to rescue Lot. Abram did not have a large army, but he battled by faith. That is what gave him the victory.
And then the final victory of the three was a victory over himself. The king of Sodom came with a bargain but the king of Salem came with a blessing. Even a shoelace from Sodom would have defiled Abram’s godly walk. After every battle, give God the glory and beware the devil’s bargains.
If you aren’t careful, you may win the war, but lose the victory.
How Can I Be Right with God?
Genesis 15:1–6
New Testament: Matthew 5:27-48
Summary:
Lust
Divorce
Oaths
Retaliation
Love Your Enemies
Overview: Matthew 1-13 – Click Here
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