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The Context of Abraham’s Question to Jehovah

Genesis 15:2-3 captures a deeply personal moment in Abraham’s life, reflecting both his faith and his human concerns. The text states, “But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord Jehovah, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘Look, you have given me no offspring, and one born in my house is my heir.’” This dialogue takes place within the broader context of Jehovah’s covenantal relationship with Abraham, initiated in Genesis 12:1-3. Jehovah had promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation and that all nations of the earth would be blessed through him.

At this point in the narrative, however, Abraham remains childless, despite the passage of time and the reaffirmation of Jehovah’s promises. His concern about his lack of an heir highlights the tension between Jehovah’s promises and Abraham’s current reality. This tension serves as a backdrop for Jehovah’s subsequent covenantal reaffirmation, emphasizing His faithfulness and power to fulfill His word.

The Practice of Adoption in the Ancient Near East

Abraham’s reference to Eliezer of Damascus as “a son of my household” sheds light on the customs of the ancient Near East. In societies where childlessness was a significant concern, individuals without biological heirs often adopted a trusted servant or household member to serve as their legal heir. Such arrangements provided for the care of the childless couple in their old age and ensured the continuation of their estate.

The Nuzi tablets, discovered in modern Iraq and dating to approximately the 15th century B.C.E., reveal that this practice was well-established in the region. These texts describe legal agreements in which a servant could be designated as an heir but could be superseded by the birth of a biological child. This cultural backdrop clarifies why Abraham considered Eliezer his heir. As a trusted member of Abraham’s household, Eliezer would have been well-positioned to fulfill the role of an adopted heir, particularly in the absence of a biological son.

Abraham’s Address to Jehovah as “Sovereign Lord”

Abraham’s address to Jehovah as “Sovereign Lord” (Hebrew: Adonai Jehovah, אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה) reveals both reverence and a recognition of Jehovah’s authority over all things, including his future. The title Adonai emphasizes Jehovah’s lordship and His role as master, while Jehovah underscores His covenantal faithfulness. This dual title is significant because it reflects Abraham’s acknowledgment of Jehovah’s sovereignty even as he wrestles with the apparent delay in the fulfillment of His promises.

By bringing his concerns directly to Jehovah, Abraham demonstrates his faith in God’s ability to address his needs. His question, “What will you give me, for I continue childless?” does not indicate doubt in Jehovah’s power but rather seeks clarification about how the divine promises will be fulfilled. Abraham’s approach exemplifies a faithful servant’s honest and respectful communication with his master.

The Cultural and Theological Implications of Abraham’s Childlessness

In the ancient world, childlessness was often viewed as a source of shame or a sign of divine disfavor. In Abraham’s case, however, his childlessness presented a theological dilemma. Jehovah had promised to make him into a great nation and to bless all families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:2-3). Without offspring, these promises seemed unattainable. Abraham’s question reflects his human perspective, shaped by the limitations of his circumstances.

Theologically, this moment underscores the principle that Jehovah’s plans often transcend human understanding and expectations. As Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Abraham’s concern about Eliezer reveals his reliance on human customs to interpret Jehovah’s promises, yet it also sets the stage for Jehovah to reaffirm His ability to fulfill His word in miraculous ways.

Eliezer’s Role as “a Son of My Household”

The term “son of my household” (ben mesheq, בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק) highlights the legal and relational status of Eliezer within Abraham’s household. Although Eliezer was not Abraham’s biological son, his position as a trusted servant likely made him the default heir under ancient Near Eastern practices. This designation underscores the deep bonds that could exist between a master and a faithful servant, reflecting the patriarchal household structure in which loyalty and service were highly valued.

Eliezer’s role also reflects Abraham’s practical considerations in the absence of a biological heir. By identifying Eliezer as his heir, Abraham was acknowledging the reality of his situation while still seeking reassurance from Jehovah about the fulfillment of His promises. This moment emphasizes the tension between human planning and divine providence, a recurring theme in Abraham’s life.

Jehovah’s Response and the Reaffirmation of the Promise

In the verses that follow, Jehovah responds to Abraham’s concern with a clear and reassuring promise: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir” (Genesis 15:4). Jehovah then takes Abraham outside and tells him to look toward the heavens and number the stars, declaring, “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). This dramatic reaffirmation of the promise underscores Jehovah’s power to fulfill His word, even in circumstances that seem impossible from a human perspective.

Jehovah’s response not only addresses Abraham’s immediate concern but also reinforces the central theme of the Abrahamic covenant: the establishment of a chosen lineage through which divine blessings would flow. The promise of descendants as numerous as the stars points to the ultimate fulfillment of Jehovah’s plan, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised seed (Galatians 3:16).

Faith and Righteousness in Light of the Promise

Genesis 15:6 records Abraham’s response to Jehovah’s promise: “And he believed Jehovah, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” This verse is foundational in biblical theology, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith, not works. Abraham’s belief in Jehovah’s promise, despite his childless state and advanced age, exemplifies the kind of faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).

The apostle Paul later cites this verse in Romans 4:3 to illustrate that justification has always been by faith. Abraham’s faith in Jehovah’s promise prefigures the faith required for salvation under the new covenant, demonstrating that trust in God’s word is the basis for a right relationship with Him.

Theological Implications of Jehovah’s Faithfulness

The account of Genesis 15:2-3 highlights Jehovah’s faithfulness to His promises, even when human circumstances seem insurmountable. By addressing Abraham’s concern about Eliezer and reaffirming the promise of a biological heir, Jehovah demonstrates His sovereignty and ability to fulfill His word. This moment foreshadows the broader narrative of redemption, in which Jehovah’s promises are ultimately fulfilled through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, this passage emphasizes the importance of faith in responding to Jehovah’s promises. Abraham’s willingness to bring his concerns to Jehovah and his subsequent belief in the divine promise serve as a model for believers, encouraging them to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when His plans seem delayed or unclear.

Conclusion: Abraham’s Faith and Jehovah’s Assurance

Genesis 15:2-3 provides a powerful example of the interplay between human concerns and divine faithfulness. Abraham’s question about his heir reflects both his reliance on cultural practices and his desire for reassurance about Jehovah’s promises. Jehovah’s response not only addresses Abraham’s immediate concern but also reaffirms the certainty of His covenantal plan.

This account underscores the importance of faith in the face of uncertainty, reminding believers that Jehovah is faithful to fulfill His word. Just as Abraham trusted in Jehovah’s promise of an heir, believers are called to place their confidence in God’s redemptive plan, assured that He is able to accomplish all that He has promised.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).