Bible Commentary

Genesis 15:5

Genesis 15:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

And he (Jehovah, or "the Word of the Lord") brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them (a proof that Abram's vision was not a dream): and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Hence it has been inferred that Abram's vision was miraculously quickened to penetrate the depths of space and gaze upon the vastness of the stellar world, since the stars visible to the naked eye would not represent an innumerable multitude (Candlish).

Recommended reading

More for Genesis 15:5

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Genesis 15 — OverviewGenesis 15 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter we have a solemn treaty between God and Abram concerning a covenant that was to be established between them. In the former chapter we had Abram in the field with kings; here we find him in the…Genesis 15 — OverviewGenesis 15 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeGenesis 15:1, God encourages Abram, who complains for want of an heir; Genesis 15:4, God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed; Genesis 15:6, Abram is justified by faith; Genesis 15:7, Canaan is promised…Genesis 15 — OverviewGenesis 15 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter informs us of a gracious appearance of God to Abram, and of a kind promise made unto him, Ge 15:1; of Abram's request for an heir, Ge 15:2; of an answer to it, that he should have one, and even a numberless…Genesis 15 — OverviewGenesis 15 · Little Bible — for children and parentsAbram is afraid and doubting: he has no son and his heir will be a servant. God takes him outside at night, shows him the stars, and promises his descendants will be as many as the stars. Abram believes God, and God…Genesis 15:1-6Genesis 15:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONGenesis 15:1-6Genesis 15:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryUnder the stars with God. I. DEJECTED BEFORE GOD. 1. Apprehensive of danger. Victorious over the Asiatic monarchs, Abram nevertheless dreaded their return. Signal deliverances are not seldom followed by depressing…