Gen 15:5-6 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 5. Look now toward heaven ] It appears that this whole transaction took place in the evening ; . Abram had either two visions, that recorded in , and that in , &c.; or what is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter is a part of the occurrences which took place after the sacrifice mentioned , &c.: but it is more likely that there was a vision of that kind already described, and afterwards a second , in which he received the revelation mentioned . After the first vision he is brought forth abroad to see if he can number the stars; and as he finds this impossible, he is assured that as they are to him innumerable, so shall his posterity be; and that all should spring from one who should proceed from his own bowels- one who should be his own legitimate child.

‏ Genesis 15:5-6

Verse 5. Look now toward heaven] It appears that this whole transaction took place in the evening; See Clarke on Ge 13:14. Abram had either two visions, that recorded in Ge 15:1, and that in Ge 15:12, &c.; or what is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter is a part of the occurrences which took place after the sacrifice mentioned Ge 15:9, &c.: but it is more likely that there was a vision of that kind already described, and afterwards a second, in which he received the revelation mentioned Ge 15:13-16. After the first vision he is brought forth abroad to see if he can number the stars; and as he finds this impossible, he is assured that as they are to him innumerable, so shall his posterity be; and that all should spring from one who should proceed from his own bowels-one who should be his own legitimate child.

Verse 6. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.] This I conceive to be one of the most important passages in the whole Old Testament. It properly contains and specifies that doctrine of justification by faith which engrosses so considerable a share of the epistles of St. Paul, and at the foundation of which is the atonement made by the Son of God: And he (Abram) believed heemin, he put faith) in Jehovah, vaiyachshebeita lo, and he counted it-the faith he put in Jehovah, to HIM for righteousness, tsedakak, or justification; though there was no act in the case but that of the mind and heart, no work of any kind. Hence the doctrine of justification by faith, without any merit of works; for in this case there could be none-no works of Abram which could merit the salvation of the whole human race. It was the promise of God which he credited, and in the blessedness of which he became a partaker through faith. See at the close of the chapter; See Clarke on Ge 15:19; see also on "Ro 4:13", &c.