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Book of Genesis - Chapter 15 - Verse 4

15:4
And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

Meaning

In this verse, the Lord is speaking to Abraham, informing him that his heir will not come from his servant, but will instead be his own biological child. This message was crucial in affirming God's promise to Abraham that he would indeed have descendants who would inherit the land and blessings promised to him. By clarifying that the heir would come from Abraham's own lineage, God was reaffirming His covenant with Abraham and demonstrating His power to fulfill His promises. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in orchestrating events according to His divine plan. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's timing and provision, even when circumstances may seem unlikely or uncertain. Ultimately, this verse highlights the theme of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises throughout the Old Testament narrative.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "the word of the Lord" signifies a divine message or revelation conveyed to a person. It emphasizes the importance and authority of the message being delivered. The theological interpretation of this verse points to God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants and the inheritance of the land. The concept of inheritance is significant in the Bible as it often symbolizes God's covenant with his people and his plans for the future. The phrase "he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels" refers to a biological descendant of Abraham who will inherit the promises made by God. This verse highlights God's sovereignty in choosing who will receive his blessings and fulfill his plans. It challenges our human understanding of inheritance and lineage, reminding us that God's ways are higher than our ways. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises and his faithfulness to fulfill them in his perfect timing.

American Standard Version

And, behold, the word of Jehovah came unto him, saying, This man shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
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