Some thing to think about while you read

In Genesis 12:2-3 we see God's covenant with Abram. Be sure to read of its fulfillment in Romans 4:16-17.

Keep in mind that the Bible shows us real people with all their flaws, not perfect people. Genesis 12:11-13 is the first of many times you will see a man of God who is not trusting in God to protect him and asks his wife to say she is his sister. In these times we will see that it is God who is faithful to keep his covenant even when His people are unfaithful.

In Genesis 13:14-17 we hear god telling Abram about the land he would receive. It is interesting to note that Abram himself never possessed this land, his descendants did. This is important to know when studying the Bible. The Hebrew people understood that a promise was not only for the one receiving it, but for their descendants. They thought in terms of legacy. This is very different than the way we think today in our self-absorbed society.

In Genesis 13:12 we see that Lot "pitched his tents near Sodom" which was a wicked city. In Genesis 14:12 when Lot is carried off it says he was "living in Sodom". The Bible emphasizes over and over that we cannot "flirt" with sin without being overcome by it. Lot's willingness to live near the city led to his willingness to live in the city and his eventual capture.

In Genesis 14:20 we see Abram giving the priest a 10th of everything, keep in mind that this is a very long time before the law was given that commanded a tithe. God's word is consistent from beginning to end about people bringing their offerings before him. (See Hebrews 7 for more about Melchizedek and Christ.)

In Genesis 15:17-21 we read of God's covenant with Abram. It was the custom to lay out the animals and have the two people walk between them to seal a covenant. What is interesting here is that only God passed between the pieces. This covenant was God's and he would be faithful to keep it.

Look again tomorrow for more notes!