Why does Abram question God’s promise in Genesis 15:2? Context of the Promise The exchange in Genesis 15 occurs after God has already promised Abram land and offspring (Genesis 12:2; 13:14-17). Years have elapsed, yet Sarai remains barren. Abram is now living near Hebron and has just refused the spoils of war from the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:22-24). God reassures him: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1). Abram’s response in verse 2 is therefore framed by lingering delay and the practical reality of childlessness. Chronological Considerations Using a conservative Ussher-style chronology, Abram is about 75 when he first receives the promise (Genesis 12:4) and roughly 10 years have passed by Genesis 15 (cf. Genesis 16:3). In the Ancient Near East, fertility typically declined well before this age; thus, humanly speaking, time appears to have run out. Abram’s question surfaces at the intersection of God’s eternal timetable and human biological limitation. Cultural Framework of Heirship Patriarchal society tied identity, inheritance, and covenant continuity to a male heir. Legal texts from Nuzi (15th–14th century BC) show childless couples adopting a servant as heir, an arrangement rescindable if a natural son was later born. Abram’s mention of “Eliezer of Damascus” reflects that common practice. His query voices the cultural tension: if he dies without offspring, covenant blessings would seem to default to a household servant, undermining the promise of a nation descending from his own body. Psychological Dynamics of Faith Under Delay Scripture frequently portrays faith wrestling with delay (cf. Psalm 13:1; Proverbs 13:12). Abram’s words are not disbelief but the honest lament of a believer who seeks clarification. Cognitive studies of hope confirm that prolonged uncertainty magnifies perceived risk; faith must repeatedly re-anchor on trustworthy testimony. Abram verbalizes that struggle, illustrating that biblical faith allows questions while still looking to God for resolution. Comparison with Parallel Scriptures Romans 4:18-21 and Hebrews 11:11-12 interpret Abram’s journey as one of growing, not diminishing, faith. His question in Genesis 15:2 precedes God’s object lesson under the stars (Genesis 15:5) and the unilateral covenant oath (Genesis 15:9-17). These later New Testament reflections show that divine reassurance, not rebuke, follows Abram’s question, validating that inquiry can coexist with genuine trust. The Role of Covenant Ritual Abram’s question becomes the catalyst for God’s formal covenant ceremony. Ancient Hittite treaties used animal halves to ratify irrevocable commitments; here God alone passes through, placing the burden entirely upon Himself. Thus, Abram’s doubt elicits a visible guarantee, foreshadowing the ultimate self-sacrificial fulfillment in Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—events attested by early creedal material (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) that manuscript evidence dates to within a few years of the event. Implications for the Doctrine of Faith Faith, biblically defined, is confidence anchored in God’s character rather than in visible circumstances (Hebrews 11:1). Abram’s question models “faith seeking understanding.” By articulating perceived contradiction, he positions himself to receive deeper revelation. This pattern informs Christian discipleship: honest dialogue with God invites covenant assurance rather than divine censure. Practical Application for Today Believers facing deferred hopes—whether for healing, vocation, or loved ones’ salvation—can emulate Abram: present the dilemma to God, remember past promises, and await His timing. The resurrection of Jesus anchors those promises historically; the empty tomb is the ultimate evidence that God’s word, though delayed, never fails. Conclusion Abram questions God’s promise in Genesis 15:2 because prolonged barrenness clashes with the promise of countless descendants. The query arises from cultural, biological, and psychological pressures but is expressed within reverent faith. God answers not by chastising but by covenanting, transforming doubt into deeper assurance. The episode teaches that questioning can be an integral part of biblical faith, and archaeological, textual, and cosmological evidence all converge to affirm the reliability of the narrative and the faithfulness of the God who delivered on that promise through the risen Christ. |
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