How Did Yahweh Come To Abram

In Genesis 15, God came to Abram in a vision because after sinned entered the world in Genesis 3 He could no longer come to humanity in the flesh. The connection between God and humanity was cut off and that also introduced the fear of the Lord. When Yahweh comes to Abram, he commands him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield” (15:1). He does this to guarantee that Abram knows who is speaking to him; it also reaffirms that he should not be afraid because he protection is with him. Abram recognizes that Yahweh is with him and takes the opportunity to ask why He has not provided him with an heir yet. Within the historical context, this is extremely important because children, especially males, was a way of passing on one’s legacy and proving that they had a fruitful life. Abram is concerned that he will have to pass down his name and land to the man who has been his assistant rather than his own blood. …show more content…
He promises Abram that he will bear a child to be his heir, and he will have as many descendants as the stars in the sky (15:5). After promising this to Abram, God reintroduces himself as “the Lord who brought [him] from Ur of the Chaldeans,” and He does this to show that He is a trustworthy God who will provide for him (15:7). Above that Yahweh is showing the power that He has to make all things work together for the good of Abram. God then commands Abram to bring him five specific sacrificial animals, and he cuts them in half. Between the halves of the animals are a fire pot and a torch; both of these are symbols of God. It is a way of finalizing the covenant between God and Abram because we know that the presence of Yahweh was