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This chapter in scripture, especially the first three verses, is one of the most important, and

Up to this point, God dealt with mankind through various individuals like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Job, and Seth, however, this passage marks a huge change! Now, God begins with an individual, but constantly reveals a new strategy, A FAMILY, AND A NATION! This is where Abraham enters the picture! He is to be the father of an entire new nation, a nation that would usher in the true deliverer and savior, and a nation that would overflow God's blessings to all people and all nations of the world!

Genesis is The Book of Beginnings, and specifically, it centers on three main beginnings

(For Adam & Noah - the time period is appox. 2000 years within 11 chapters. However, Abraham, his son, and close descendants take up approx 400 years, yet are within 39 chapters.)

Because of his huge importance, my notes for this session will focus on Abraham and his initial calling, and how it relates to all of us, which it does in a big way!

We know that God actually "appeared" to Abraham in his initial calling, although it doesn't tell us here in Genesis. How do we know? By comparing scripture with scripture! This is not only a handy tool of Bible study, but it actually is an imperative requirement if anyone wants to really know the Bible and not get off track!

Since the very same Holy Spirit inspired both the Old & New Testaments, and the people who wrote it, there should be, (and is) a beautiful symmetry without any errors or contradictions.

Further details are given about Abraham's calling by Stephen in Acts 7:2, 3. (Read it now)

He tells us that "God appeared" to Abraham! This is very important! We are never told that God actually appeared to Noah, Enoch, or Seth. They all had very close relationship with God in talking, walking and being led by him, but may have never "seen" him at all. The only time that God may have actually appeared to any human before Abraham was possibly to Adam & Eve before the fall in Eden, (Although it never states that either, but we can assume God literally was visible to them as there was no hindrance of sin on earth yet.)

What does God's appearing to Abraham signify? It means that the calling of Abraham was a huge event in God's master plan! Don't miss this! This is a major division and turning point in God's plan of salvation. Abraham is extremely important, not only for historical reasons, but his calling and life has immense importance and practical application to all of our lives as Christ followers here and now!

God literally appeared to several individuals in the Bible. He also comes back to Abraham later in this chapter and more lately on as well. Joshua met God face to face, as did Jacob and Daniel's three friends in the fiery furnace. (Moses met God, but not face to face)

Whenever God literally appears within human form on earth, it is called - A Theophany - literally a "God - Appearance". Sometimes it is called - A Chistophany - by many, myself included, who believe that all of God's dealings and appearances on earth are accomplished by God - The Son, Jesus Christ. (There are good reasons for believing that which I can get into later)

Abraham was born and raised in a very wicked city called Ur, which was part of ancient Mesopotamia, and the same general area of Babel, later Babylon. The events we covered in our last session, Genesis 11, are centered also in this same area.

We don't know anything about his youth from the Bible, (Although lots from extra-biblical sources).

But we do know that his father, Terah, was an idol worshipper, (Joshua 24:2) and by that we can assume that Abraham also either was also, or at least was raised as such.

How and why did God choose Abraham? Was it because Abraham was especially religious, good looking, or the most likely person to start a new nation?

God choose and called Abraham by his sovereign grace, and by his sovereign grace alone!

God's sovereign grace simply means that he chooses and calls whomever he wants, whenever he wants for whatever reason that he wants!

If you recall, we covered the first "Proto-Euangellion" in Genesis 3:15, when God first spoke the prophetic word and promise that the seed of the woman would come and crush the head of the serpent. This was the first message of the Gospel!

Here, we have what I call, “Prot-Euangellion Part Two”, only here it is expanded and we can see more of the big picture and more of God's original plan all along.

Another name for it could be; God's Enlarged Template of Salvation. From God's point of view, he always sees and works within the vast panoramic big picture, but only reveals it to us in limited windows of partial view due to our human minds. But when God enlarges the view, it is very important to catch it and enlarge our view as well!

Why make a big deal about Abraham? Because we are directly linked to him! Please read:

The Bible calls Abraham "our father" in the faith! His wife, Sarah, is also considered the "mother" of the true faithful pilgrims also. All the promises to Abraham are not just for him, they are not just for the Jewish nation, but they are also ours as Christ followers! This is the big picture that we must begin to grasp, see, and believe

It has been said: God doesn’t call the equipped, but equips the called – (What does that mean, and would you agree?)

If we are a Christ follower, we have been called by God, it was God who initially saved us, and made us desire him and follow him! Just like Abraham, as great as he was, he would have been hardly a footnote in history apart from God's calling and blessing on his life! As it is now, it is Abraham who is the common denominator of the world's three great faiths; all of them respect and admire Abraham! (Judaism, Christianity and Islam)

I have assembled a five part outline of God's calling Abraham, and each begin with the same letter to help us remember it better. Each part, in order, also relates to our own calling from God, and if we can grasp it, we can better trust God and see more of how things work out in our salvation and for his glory.

Just like Abram, God also calls us by his sovereign grace! Notice that he specifically calls Abram and uses his very name. It is a specific, and personal calling. This is how all of our journey into faith as Christ followers begins, not with us, and our determination to seek God, but with God first making the initial contact!

2. Progression “ ..get out of your country, from your family, and your father’s house.”

After God’s initial calling, the very next step for Abram and all of us is the same – we must respond to the calling and allow God to do his work involving movement and progression forward!

We are empowered for this by his grace, which is not a one time action, but a daily occurrence all throughout our journey!

Abraham is considered to be the very first “Pilgrim” in the Bible, and all Christ followers after him up to even now, are considered Pilgrims also! The actual Biblical meaning of the term – Pilgrim –

Simply means: A Resident Foreigner. Although we live in the here and now of this time and space on earth as residents, we are really of foreign origin! Our eternal home is not of this present world! This is the mindset of all Pilgrims like Abraham! See these scriptures:

4. Pronouncement. ….I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse him who curses you.”

God’s blessings saturate and overflow for all Pilgrims from the beginning to the end, in fact, they never end! As we go on our pilgrimage, we carry a very serious pronouncement from God:

We are both a blessing and a curse to others. (II Corinthians 2:15,16) To those who believe the Gospel, we are a blessing because the Gospel is an incredible blessing. To those who reject it, we actually are a curse to them, because the Gospel itself becomes a curse and will pronounce judgment upon them in the future. (Another good scripture to help see this is Hebrews 4:12, where it states that God’s word is a double-edged sword.)

5. Panorama “….and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

All Pilgrims go on their journey with an eternal perspective knowing that our seemingly mundane lives are all part of a much larger grand plan orchestrated by God, and directed by God every step of the way! We become a blessing to the world, just like Abraham, not because of any special personal qualifications, but because the message of the Gospel is entrusted to us and overflows as incredible blessings to anyone who embraces it.

God’s people and church consist of much more than our congregation, or even all combined in the world today! (See Hebrews 11:39-40)

But if you read the text very carefully, you’ll see that Abram really only obeyed in one out of the three commands! He got out of his country, well sort of….. he stopped off in Haran, which still could be considered his country. But he did leave his city! What he didn’t do was sever the connections with his relatives and close immediate family! Notice that he took his nephew Lot,(his family) and he took his father Terah,(Literally his father’s house)!

(Hebrews 11:8 states that Abraham initially obeyed God’s call in the general sense, because it WAS a big step of faith to pack up and leave his comfortable city. Also, because it was an act of love and trust unto God, as I Peter 4:8 says, “Love covers a multitude of sins”.)

(Application: Abraham is the Father of faith, yet he begins lacking in that department, fumbling forward, one step at a time…..can anyone relate?)

With the meaning of those two words, you can easily fill in the picture and see that this stop in Haran was not in God’s plan, and could be considered wasted time with probably no further direction from God. Most scholars believe that they delayed here for at least five years.

Haran was the last stop for caravans just before they would make the long journey across the desert and dangerous area towards Canaan, with potential food/water shortage, hostile winds and weather, and constant robbers along the way. It really could be considered as – The Point of No Return.

This also has application for all of us, can anyone relate to a crisis point of decision? When you had to decide if you were going to follow Jesus or not, possibly even taking years to make your decision?

(Note: It finally took his father’s death for Abram to actually pack up and continue on his way. Spiritually speaking, many times it also takes a death to our former desires, ambitions, and way of life to begin to move forward, yet God has incredible joy, new life, new land, new family and great hope prepared just ahead.)

When Abraham and his caravan (Lot’s of stuff see Genesis 12:5) finally arrive there is no welcome party! In fact, he doesn’t know anyone; it is a completely different country, with strange and wicked people called Canaanites!

So he stops at a big tree and wonders, “What the heck did we come here for?!” (Genesis 12:9)

Abraham is seeking instruction and guidance….and God shows up providing that giving him much needed strength to continue moving forward. Abraham builds an altar, meaning he worships God. (Also notice that this is the second time that God appears to him.)

This is what I call – The Step by Step Principle – Abraham takes a step with very limited information and details, then because of that simple step, God shows up with just a little more information and details and encouragement. This in turn causes him to take another little step, at which point God will then continue with a little more help. This continues, step by step!

This is also how God works in all of our lives! We must move forward on whatever knowledge or faith that we possess, no matter how much or how little. Then, step by step, God leads us into more as we trust him every step of the way on this journey.

Plus there are many examples in scripture of this principle, such as we will see later of Abraham sending his servant to get a bride for Isaac, but he has very limited information until he goes and arrives. (Genesis 24) Also seen in the story of Samuel seeking to anoint the next king of Israel, (David), but having no clue who it was, God sends him with limited information and only adds more as he continues on his way. (I Samuel 16)

(Abraham never would have received this greater promise if he would have stayed in Haran.)

Abraham continues his journey, but more difficult times are ahead. Next, he stops and pitches his tent between Bethel and Ai, and again worships God .

Application: Abraham is between a rock and a hard place! This is the same for all Pilgrims today, we live, work, and interact within two worlds, one is seen with faith, our eternal perspective and the House of God…and the other, we see all around us, a beautiful earth, but yet one that is destined for decay and ultimate judgment…and a heap of ruins in the final end.

In conclusion of this chapter, Abraham encounters a famine in the land, (The very land and place that God told him to go to…was God asleep on the job, or was this part of his divine plan?)

He decides to go down to Egypt to avoid this severe famine. Notice, it doesn’t say that he consulted God’s guidance, but simply decides on his own, which proves to be a bad decision, one which almost costs him his wife, and even his own life!

This is the first mention of the nation of Egypt in the Bible, and sets the re-occurring symbolic meaning of this country throughout all scripture:

Egypt = the World and people who have rejected God and have embraced all that is contrary to true faith hope and love in the Kingdom of God!

Isaiah 31:1, “Woe to those who go to Egypt” (There are many, many more scriptures and accounts which bear this link out clearly. If you can remember this, many passages in the Bible can make more sense as they are speaking of this in spiritual terms.)

This famine in the land proved Abraham’s first great test of faith after leaving his original homeland. Like his brief stay in Haran, this was also wasted time and an important lesson for him, as well as us, to learn! (Seek God before making such decisions; maybe God would have had an alternate course of action to help him, (and us) through this crisis.

Abraham figures out a plan to save his life, even though it may cost him his wife! He lies about her and says that she is his sister. He does this again later with Abimelech in Genesis 20! There, we find out more of his reasoning: In Genesis 20:12 he explains that she actually IS his sister…..sort of….she is his half sister and his wife! This could be considered the very first –

White Lie – a lie that is candy coated and seemingly not as bad as an outright big lie!

But it still proves to be near fatal, and God has to step in to help him and save both him and his wife. Notice, even though God delivers him, and Abraham probably asked forgiveness and went

on his way, many times, like Abraham, our mistakes and problems can still follow us!

He acquired a new servant girl there in Egypt – Hagar – which will cause great problems later, and still does to this day! (See Genesis 16:1) Also, he acquired wealth and cattle there in Egypt. That also will later cause problems with his nephew Lot, which we will see in the next chapter.

(This principle is also seen throughout scripture…another good example is David and Bathsheba, even though God forgave his sin, David was plagued by trouble directly from it by losing his first son, and later his other son turns against him and commits the same kind of sin against David and his family)

Genesis chapter thirteen is one of those chapters that contain movement! The entire chapter is like one long verb, an action word! I will cover many of the verse by verse details during our session, but for this outline, I will stay focused on the movements, or progressions, of the three main players.

If you play chess, it can help to view this chapter as a chess game of sorts! Here are the main players;

Going a bit further in this analogy, the king in chess can move any direction, forwards, backwards, and sideways. Although God – King moves this way covering huge ground, human-kings can only move like the chess-king – one step at a time!

Pawns also move one step at a time, but much more limited, in only one direction, forward. Pawns should also make every move based on consideration of their king! They always must move to within a two-fold plan to protect their king, while seeking to capture the other player’s king. As we continue, I will show how Lot-pawn moves contrary to this logic!

The very first verse of this chapter shows Abram in movement; “Then Abram went up from Egypt….” (Genesis 13:1)

Where is he going? Which way is he moving? Moving to God, or away from him?

We saw in the preceding chapter that Abram made an illogical decision and moved away from God by going down to Egypt. Here, he corrects his mistake and leaves Egypt to go back to the land God had told him to go to earlier. But like a king in chess, he can only move one step at a time.

Abram is returning to square one, so to speak. He realizes his near-fatal mistake by going to Egypt, and now returns to the very first place he pitched his tent before in Genesis 12:8. The one place where he first “called upon the name of the Lord”.

When he went down to Egypt, he was a chess –king player moving backwards! Now he retraced his steps, and although he is not really moving forward yet, he journeys all the way back to where he first called upon God to do it once more and begin to move forward.

This is a good move towards God! Abram stays there, between Bethel and Ai, and doesn’t leave until he hears fresh from God again! (Genesis 13:18)

Notice the good things which happen to Abram after he returns to forward movement and sets his sights on seeking God again:

(Abram-Abraham develops his relationship with God along this line that later, he is one of the few ever called “Friend of God” – three times! Is 41:8/II Chron. 20:7/James 2:23)

Also, notice the development of the “Step by Step” principal. As he goes forward, God continues to reveal more of his plan. But Abram must move forward, step by step to see any more light!

Next we come to Abram’s nephew Lot, who as you may recall, seemingly tagged along and was not originally part of God’s call to Abram. In fact, God specifically commanded Abram to “leave both his father, and his father’s house”.

So first of all, Lot is moving along with Abram, which is not in God’s perfect plan. Now, here in this chapter, we see Lot moving again.

Because of the large combined wealth of cattle between Abram and Lot, Abram gives Lot his choice of land and he chooses Sodom.

But Lot does more than just pitch his tent there; he actually begins a progression, closer and closer, to this very wicked city! Here is Lot’s progression:

Compare James 1:13-15 with this in view – Does God tempt or test people? Is sin passive or aggressive?

Finally, we come to the third player in this chapter, God, and see that he is also moving!

Notice that God does not get involved with the issue of strife between Abram and Lot. God waits until Lot has made his choice and is gone, this is especially noted in verse 14; “….and the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him….”

God seems to be very well pleased with Abram’s generosity towards Lot! Abram spoke of going to the right or to the left of wherever Lot chooses. Now, God comes back to Abram with the same kind of generosity, only multiplied and overflowing with generous blessings!

God doesn’t speak of “left and right”…but rather, “north – south –east –west”! In other words – EVERYWHERE you can see! God promises to give this land to Abram, his descendants, and for not just a period of time, but forever and ever!

God is moving to accomplish this promise! (In proper Biblical terms God does not “progress” as he is perfect and cannot get any better, but he is always on the move!)

(Abram concludes this chapter like he started it – on the move and in progression!)

God’s statements in Verse 16 about “descendants as the dust of the earth” are probably a figure of speech, and should not be taken literally.

Abram responds to God’s amazing statements by obeying to move within the land, and begins to worship at Hebron – (Friendship) where he begins to be a friend of God.

God’s promises of innumerable descendants is spoken to Abram, who is childless at he time!

Most of Genesis fourteen concerns the very first war mentioned in the Bible, although it may only be mentioned because of its connection to Abram!

But also of great importance is the appearance of a very interesting, and very mysterious character named – Melchizedech! (But first things first)

Here in Genesis 14:1-12, we have an account of the very first war in the Bible! (There very well may have been others, but this is the first one in scripture. There has been fighting and killing going on since Cain & Abel.)

I want to mostly focus on Abram, and his involvement with this war, as I believe it is also the main focus of even including it here in Genesis, here is a brief summary;

We have four kings of the east, coming to the land of Canaan by the Dead Sea, and fighting five kings who ruled there, and coming away victorious.

(Also, please understand when it speaks of certain kings fighting other kings, it does not mean that this war was only between the kings, If only that were the case! Every king has an army! Although it may just say “king”, it most certainly also means the king and his army of soldiers.)

Also, it is interesting that we see another mention of those terrible giants who lived in Canaan that I have detailed in earlier outlines – the Rephaims, Zuzims, and Emims.

Some scholars believe he was actually Hammurabi, one of the very first powerful Babylonian rulers.

This king was probably the one in charge of this region, and when they rebelled, he joined forces with his alliance of other kings to attack.

(Possibly not his name, but an unknown king of Bela, also known as Zoar. However, Josephus, the great Jewish historian, states his name was Bela. It is very possible that this king was so egotistical, that his city had two names, one – Zoar, and the other – his own name – Bela!)

Who were the good guys? Who were the bad guys? It seems that we can best picture this war as more like two huge gangs fighting among themselves! All the kings of the east come from an area void of the knowledge of the true God. This was where Abram was originally called from and told to leave. This area is now called, Iran and Iraq!

The kings of the west were possibly even more wicked and void of any connection to the true God! (Notice the name meaning of two of them)

It is very interesting to me to see that, even this long ago in their ancient names, the same geographic areas are still hostile towards each other!

This is another first mention of something in the Bible – the number thirteen, and as is usually the case, the first mention sets the tone for all future occurrences. Here, it is very clear that the number thirteen is linked with rebellion. But for those interested, all through the Bible, this same link appears whenever the number thirteen is mentioned or even hidden within grammar and lettering!

(Some have a terrible fear of this number with a disease – Tripkadekaphobia)

I don’t want to detour into numerology here, but since this is a part of this chapter, it deserves a brief explanation. Numbers throughout the Bible are rich with meaning and magnificent consistency and order, which can only be the result of a magnificently ordered God who also set the Universe (Cosmos) in place with the same order! (Cosmos literally means – order) Probably the greatest researcher into this subject was a man named E. W. Bullinger, who wrote a classic called “Number in Scripture”. You can look him up with this book on the internet for more.

The next mention of the number thirteen in scripture is in Genesis 17:25 in speaking of Ishmael’s age when Abraham circumcised him. Ishmael, was rejected as the promise son of Abraham, which resulted in his rebellion against Isaac, Abraham, and ultimately a rebellion that continues to this day with his descendants – The Palestinians, against Israel.

There are many, many other interesting links of 13-rebellion/evil, Bullinger gets deep into it using multiples and the results are beyond amazing!

Bullinger makes a case for 13 linked with 8, although 13 = rebellion, 8 = Christ. Many times these two numbers with their multiples, are linked together to show the great contrast between light – darkness and the true King – rebellion.

Also, it is interesting that the number nine means judgment all through the Bible, and here we have a total of nine kings in this war. Constant multiples of nine all through the story of Sodom’s judgment and others in the Bible, with Jerusalem being destroyed a total of 27 times through history – 3x9. It can get insane if you go in deep into it, but it is clear that numerology is something that God placed within scripture!

After Lot is taken captive, along with his family, possessions, and many others living in Sodom, Abram is told of the crisis, and rescues Lot along with everyone else! Notice, that it is only Abram and 318 trained men! (Yes – there may be significance to this number, but so far no one has seemed to find it!) The forces they defeated must have been far, far greater and much more powerful! How did he do it? The only explanation is that God was with him and fought for him! It was probably the first God-directed victory for Israel ever….with much more to come!

Abram and his men went a great distance to rescue Lot, it says “…as far as Hobah, north of Damascus…and as far as Dan.” This is way far to the north, and probably took many days journey!

One more note before we move on, the text here also mentions something else very significant, and also something that occurs for the first time in the Bible: Abram is called – The Hebrew. (Gen. 14:13) Most believe that this name comes from one of Shem’s sons named – Eber – in Genesis 10:21. Abram is the first Hebrew! (The father of all Hebrews, or Jews living today.) Hebrew is now more known simply as the official language of Israel, a modern version of the ancient language spoken there for centuries. Hebrew – simply means “ One from the other side” Abram was called by God from the other side of the land he was living in. In a spiritual sense, as we are all Abraham’s children if we follow Christ, we are all people from the other side as well! God called all of us from a dark world doomed for judgment. He called us to move into a new land, like Abraham, one which we enter into day by day, step by step on this journey.

OK, now we come to this mysterious character, Melchizedech, who seemingly appears out of nowhere, interacts with Abram, then disappears just as fast!

Why spend any time on this ancient character? Answer: Because the Bible commands us to do so! “Now consider how great this man was….) Hebrews 7:4

(The actual word – consider – in the original Greek is – “Theoreo” – which means:

A careful observation of details, to look with interest with a purpose. Our English word – Theory – is derived from it!)

With that in view, let’s look into this incredible mans account and theorize within proper Biblical guidelines.

But there is much more! This King of righteousness is also called, “The King of Salem”. Salem = peace, this is where we get “Shalom” and the Arab version of the same is “Salom”. (The actual place called “Salem” may have been the ancient Jebusite city later re-named Jerusalem – The City of Peace.)

But there is more! It also says that he was the Priest of the Most High God! (Prophets are those who represent God to mankind, Priests are those who represent mankind to God)

But how can this be?! Abram is a stranger and pilgrim living in a distant foreign land, among heathen people. How could there be a resident King of Righteousness & Peace, who also is a Priest serving the same God, who lives nearby? Furthermore, how come this like-minded fellow Pilgrim comes out of nowhere then disappears just as fast, without any further dealings with Abram?! Very, very strange!

In order to solve such mysteries, we must prayerfully research everything mentioned about Melchizedech in the Bible. This may sound like a huge task, but really, if you do it, it probably can be done in less than 10 minutes!

The most revealing is Hebrews chapter seven, as most of the entire chapter is concerning Melchizedech! (But it seems God may have a sense of humor…the one author who tells us the most about the mysterious Melchizedech, is mysterious himself – nobody knows who wrote Hebrews!)

Before I post all my notes on this man, and reveal who I believe that he was, we must notice a peculiar signature:

One of God’s names is also Jehovah-Tsidkenu – God our Righteousness! – Jeremiah 23:6

All through the Bible we find references to Righteousness & Peace – and in THAT ORDER! 1^st Righteousness 2^nd Peace Psalms 85:10 / Romans 5:1 & 14:17 / Is. 32:17

OK – so you are suspecting that Melchizedech may be more than just some ancient God-fearing king! You are so right!

I believe that Melchizedech was what is known as – A Theophany – an appearance of God within human form! Even more specifically, I believe he was – A Christophany - a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ in human form!

Just so you know, I am not alone in this conclusion! Not everyone is in agreement, but many, if not most, Bible students and teachers have also come to this conclusion, even if they state that it is only “likely” in a non-dogmatic fashion. But I have no reservations in going all the way in stating this as fact! (If pressed, I would have to say maybe not 100%, but probably 99%)

Here are my notes on the subject, which although were researched years ago, I still have no problem with the same result:

No one else in the Bible was ever both a king & a priest…except one – Jesus.

The phrase “God Most High” in Hebrew is – El-Elyon – which is first used here by Melchizedech! It invokes a much larger picture of God, one who posses all of heaven and earth! This is something that God could have revealed to a natural man, but in context, it appears that he is much greater!

As mentioned, Salem means – peace. Jesus was called “The Prince of Peace”.

Plus he will forever reign from Jerusalem – The City of Peace. This ancient Salem

Word for Jerusalem – the Heavenly Jerusalem, the true home of Melchizedech.

When Jesus, much later, makes a new covenant with his disciples, he also uses bread & wine. (Luke 22:17-20) In the next chapter, God makes a covenant with Abram. Many have linked the covenant in Genesis 15:18 and this event as occurring very close together. (Our New Covenant today is actually an extension of the one God made with Abram/Abraham – when we begin to follow Jesus, we become children of Abraham. (Gal. 3:29)

Usually the lesser blesses the greater, but here, we see the greater one – Melchizedech, blessing the lesser one – Abram. Three times in the Bible, Abraham is called “The Friend of God”, he walks with God, talks with God, is specially called by God to be the head of a new nation, yet this mysterious king is called greater! (The only one greater than Abraham – was Jesus himself, and of course, far greater!)

This one should be the slam dunk! There is only one who is the King of Righteousness & Peace, and that is Christ! In Isaiah 9:6 he is called “The Prince of Peace” and Prince could be translated as “King.” In Jeremiah 23:6 we see God’s very name (Jesus is one with God) is Righteousness! Finally in Psalms 85:10, in speaking of the soon coming salvation of Jesus, it says “Righteousness & Peace have kissed”. This is a beautiful picture of the coming Christ who is the very personification of Righteousness & Peace!

This was the very first tithe in the Bible, which established the tithing principal. We don’t pay our tithes to people, but to God! In Malachi 3:8 it states that they “robbed God of tithes”, tithes are paid to God, which Abram may have understood here!

All priests in Israel had to be of the tribe of Levi, a Levite. But Jesus, is called the ultimate, eternal high priest forever (Heb. 7:20-28), yet he comes from the Tribe of Judah! How can he be any kind of priest?! Because he is of a much higher order, one made in heaven at God’s throne, a specific order called,” The Order of Melchizedech”! Question: If Jesus is an eternal high priest, spotless, pure, perfect forever, and higher than the heavens, and he comes from the line of Melchizedech – how could Melchizedech be an ordinary man/sinner?

Speaking in human terms, every human being who ever lived (except Adam/Eve) had a physical father and mother. But Melchizedech, like Jesus, did not! (Physically speaking – when Jesus as the eternal word, came into human flesh, Mary was not his mother, and Joseph was not his father, at all!

Remember, Jesus spoke of God as his father while on earth in human form, but he also spoke of being equal, and the same as God, so possibly in glorified form, we will not see Jesus as the Son, and God as the father – but totally one and the same with neither having been born or created with no father/mother.)

All earthly priests were required to have a genealogy, or they were dis-qualified! (Ezra 2:62) Melchizedech had none! It doesn’t say that his was not recorded, but that he simply had none! To further see his exclusiveness, this phrase, “without genealogy” comes from one Greek word found nowhere else in scripture, or even Greek literature! ( Anenealogetos) (Which means that it is so unique and utterly unusual, that it has never been used anywhere else, because there has never been one who fit this qualification until Melchizedech!)

Once again, who can this be speaking of who ever walked on this earth, except one who came from above and is above all – Christ?! This is simply the Biblical definition of the word – Eternal. Every creature, everything, including you, me, Satan and all the Angels, all once had a beginning, all except one – God himself.

This one is another “lawyer’s slam-dunk” to seal this case: First we are told that Melchizedech is the one who remains a priest forever – then a few verses later in Hebrews 7:17-24 we are told that it is Jesus Christ who is this forever priest! Which one is it? Melchizedech or Jesus, or both? The answer is it is Jesus – who is one and the same as Melchizedech!

Melchizedech meets Abram after the slaughter of the kings battle, after Lot is rescued, and then conducts what very much looks like, an ancient version of “The Lord’s Supper” in which Jesus engaged in with his disciples!

Many events in scripture are both historical and allegorical, here we have an example of just that; Although this was an actual historical event, it also is a type, and an allegory of future events soon to take place. When Jesus comes back to earth during his second coming, he will slaughter all the kings of the earth. Lot represents the latter day powerless Church who lives in this world and has succumbed to its evil influence. However, they still retain the connection to God as his people, and Jesus will rescue them in the rapture and even those who remain afterwards because of his great mercy! After Jesus destroys the evil kings of the earth, he will then meet with his people, the Jews; they will finally recognize him as Messiah, as typified by the bread & wine ceremony of Abram (Jews) and Melchizedech (Christ).

First of all, we must remember that this is an English translation and it is a bit cloudy as to inserting that word – like – in there at all. But if it is accurate and proper from the original Greek, as some scholars say it is, then we must compare scripture with scripture to help us clarify this better. There is another place where it says the exact same phrase, although taken from the Hebrew, the English translation says the same in Daniel 3:25, where Daniel’s three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace and there was seen a fourth man in there with them, “ like the Son of God”. Most also are in agreement that this fourth man was none other than a pre-incarnate Christ himself, the actual Son of God!

The reason it says “like” concerning both Melchizedech, and possibly the fourth man in Daniel 3:25, is because both appearances of Christ were BEFORE his actual entrance into humanity at Bethlehem. Yes, Jesus was always the eternal Son of God, but from an earthly perspective, this was not revealed and official information to mankind until Jesus actually was born by Mary and then announced it through his ministry years. We must be very careful not to get stuck or hung up by one word that seems to indicate something else from what volumes of other scriptures openly reveal.

They say that he was only a man, as this verse shows, and not the Son of God. But once again, if we compare scripture with scripture, we can see that this is a rather common way to refer to appearances by both Angels and God! In fact it happens a bit later to Abraham in Genesis 18: 2, 22. Also in other passages like when Joshua encounters a man with his sword drawn who is the Captain of the Lord’s army, another time Christ appeared as a man. (Christophany)

The question of who Melchizedech is cannot be settled without doubt. However, it does seem that the most Christ-honoring interpretation, the one most consistent with Biblical accuracy, and the one with the fewest difficulties, is the recognition as Melchizedech as an appearance and manifestation of the Son of God – Jesus – to Abram.

What does all this mean to you and me living and coping in a modern world today?! A lot! Please read this in conclusion: Hebrews 10:19-25

Genesis fifteen is one of the most important chapters in the Bible, (If we can portion out importance, although in a real sense, every word is of equal importance if it is God’s word!) The reason is because here we have God making a covenant promise with Abram, and sealing it with a mysterious, but powerful ceremony. This is not just some ancient promise made to an ancient man, but an eternal covenant promise from God to Abram,(Abraham) the father of all who believe today!

“Covenant” – literally means “To cut the blood”. It always involves some kind of a blood sacrifice. It is a binding oath and promise, if made by man; he is bound by it and will suffer very serious consequences if it is broken in any way. (Usually involved death to the one who is a covenant breaker.)

Any word or promise from God is always eternally rock solid and can never be broken, but a covenant even goes beyond in sealing a sure promise with such trustworthiness and dependability, that God often does things and speaks in human terms, like we say, “cross my heart and hope to die”, to re-enforce the unbreakable oath.

(More on this later – I realize there are much deeper definitions of covenants within theology, but this is a simple and easy way to think of it.) When God makes a covenant with man, it is for man’s benefit, and greatly enlarges his/her faith!

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great”. Genesis 15:1

Genesis is the book of beginnings and many “first things” of the Bible. Here in this verse we have all these first mentions;

It is amazing, and comforting, to find that the first mention of the common command to “Fear Not”, is linked in the same verse with another common name for God – I AM!

Notice the first mention of – “word”. It says that the word of the Lord came to Abram.

Once again, it is my belief that all interactions of God to mankind, even starting in the Garden of Eden, were with the pre-incarnate Word – The Son of God – Christ. This is the “Word” that came to Abram in a vision. (See John 8:56 – Jesus states interaction with Abraham) John 1:1 – Jesus is The Word made flesh.

God tells Abram to “Fear not”. This phrase is found hundreds of times through out scripture! In fact, it may be a particular signature of Jesus, as he spoke it often to his disciples. (Some have numbered it at 366 times in the Bible)

The first mention of the phrase – I AM – is most definitively the signature of God! Since Jesus called himself by this name in John 8:58, he was claiming to be one with God, and the very one who appeared to Moses later in the burning bush, (Ex. 3:14) It was God – the Son who is coming to Abram here in this vision – The Great I AM!

The phrase; “I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward”, is also very interesting;

“Shield” – “Magen” in the original Hebrew, and means – To Protect, or security.

“Reward” – “Sakarl” in the original Hebrew and means - To Provide, or compensation.

God protects, and God provides….and not only just provides, but exceedingly provides! The idea is that God goes way beyond all we could even ask or think about!

Think about it, what more do we really need in life than these two things? If we have protection and provision we have everything, anything else added is bonus whipped cream blessing!

“Therefore do not worry saying, “What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink?, (Provision) or What shall we wear? (Protection), for those who don’t know God seek these things. Your heavenly father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus – Matthew 6:31-33

However, Abram does feel like God has withheld some provision for him, he wants a son! Not only for selfish reasons, but to fulfill what God has already promised to him!

God then trashes Abram’s bright idea of making one of his servants his son, and says that it will be from his own body, and this son will be the link in a long chain of untold millions! (Now that Abram knows it has to be his own, he soon thinks up another plan we will see in the next chapter.)

The un-aided human eye can see approximately 8000 stars on a clear night. There are at least 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. Our galaxy is but one of another 100 billion galaxies all containing millions, to billions, to some even trillions of stars! (There are far more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on the earth)

God says, “Go ahead and count them, if you are able!” (God IS able and even has named them – Isaiah 40:26)

God compares this incredible number of stars to Abram’s descendants…..but remember, at this time, he has ZERO! (Abram will have millions of descendants, both physically and spiritually. Most Bible students do not believe this statement to be literal, but God clearly makes his point!)

“…And he believed in the Lord, and he accounted unto him for righteousness”. Genesis 15:6

Each time it speaks of the same thing, that Abraham is the father, and proto-type of ALL who believe in the Lord. Paul probes deeply into just how he believed through most of Romans four, to make his point that Abram was counted as righteous by God, BEFORE he was ever circumcised. He makes this point, over and over, because the Jews of his audience believed that Abram was made righteous by God because of his work of circumcision! NO! God counted him righteous before he ever really did anything except…..believe. THAT is exactly how we do it also today! We are not declared righteous by God because of going to church, tithing, taking communion, or even by baptism. We all get into the kingdom the same way, and in the same way Abram first did, BY FAITH, NOT BY WORKS! Faith comes first, then later we enter into service unto God, but out of love and devotion, we must never think that anything we do counts as any kind of merit unto God which makes him love us any more, or make us righteous!

(Please read Romans Four now – all 25 verses!) This is an amazing Bible chapter which explains much of this passage! It is scripture explaining scripture!

Here in Genesis 15:9-21 (The rest of the chapter), we have an account of God notarizing this covenant, God seals it and conducts a new twist on an ancient ceremony which Abram probably was aware of; (See Jeremiah 34:18)

In ancient times, when a covenant was made, certain animals would be killed and cut into. Then both parties of the covenant would pass between them, indicating, -so be it unto us, like the fate of these animals, if either of us should break this covenant!

However, the reason I say that this is a “new twist” is that, here in our text, only one party, we are told) passes through, God, while Abram watches. This clearly indicates that God himself is the one responsible for keeping this covenant; it is entirely by God’s work, not ours, that will keep it rock solid! Abram’s part was faith – he had to believe God.

This account is very rich in symbolism; here are some of the possible meanings of this ceremony;

This is an amazing passage! God is saying, and demonstrating by going through the animals by himself, that he alone is responsible to accomplish his covenant promises to Abram. Not only that, but if, by some tiniest of possibility that God fails, then he is bound to cut himself into like those animals, and literally destroy himself! (That is where I get – Cross my heart and hope to die!) (Please note: I personally don’t believe that it was ever possible for God to possibly make a mistake, or have any of his word fail, it is utterly impossible, but this is all for Abram, and our benefit.)

But God is declaring that he is so serious and sure about his plan, promises, and covenant to Abram that he will back it up with his very life! (Why does anyone ever doubt God?)

Final notes: The land that God promises to Abram at the end of this chapter is set, but Israel only enjoys all of it possibly twice so far in world history; 1. Under King Solomon in I Kings 8:65 2. Under Jeroboam in II Kings 14:25. But all this land will be theirs in the coming Millennium, and possibly even before.

What happened to all people mentioned at the end of Genesis 15? (See Joshua 10-11) Is this troubling to you? Why? (Hint of some help is in vs. 16)

There are many old sayings, some are truthful, and others are not. Some are direct quotes from the Bible, and some are miss-quotes, or distortions from the Bible, and even say something directly opposite of the original correct source!

Everyone is a child of God - (Not true either, this is not found anywhere in the Bible!) The clear teaching of scripture, and even from Jesus’ own words, is that everyone is NOT a child of God, but children of the Devil. (John 8) We become children of God upon repentance and true faith in Christ.

God helps those who help themselves? Once again this is just a man-made saying that is not found in the Bible. Furthermore, the very principal this saying promotes is not only nowhere to be found in the Bible, but we actually find the very opposite principal all through the Bible! This saying is the complete antithesis to most of the examples in the Bible, as well as in our own lives today.

In fact, I’d like to begin to promote a brand new saying, with your help, that much more resembles Biblical teaching;

This is what we could title Genesis chapter 16! Here we have an account of Abram and Sarai, chosen by God, yet because God’s specific promise of a child had not happened yet, they decide to help themselves. This causes problems for all parties involved!

In this chapter we have Hagar coming to an end of herself, and actually want to die, but God comes through and saves her. We have to wait until Genesis 21 before we find Abram and Sarai at an end of themselves, and then God comes through for them, just like he said he would.

Hopefully you have all read this chapter, so this will not be a verse by verse exposition, but rather just interesting points and my study outlines.

They got her down in Egypt! Remember when they went there? (Review Genesis 12-13) It was a mistake to ever go to Egypt in the first place. (All through the Bible Egypt represents the world and things opposing God)

In fact, it was more than just a mistake to go there, it was sin. Abram was told to go to Canaan, and was never told to go there, he did the very same thing then, that both he and Sarai are doing here in this chapter – they are living by the saying, “God helps those who help themselves”. But God desires them to learn to trust him for everything, and in order to get them to that point, God has to allow them to spiral downward and come to an end of themselves! (Does any of this sound familiar to us today?)

It is during that time that God is very much at work! He is causing us to trust him and stretching our faith, it is all for our benefit. (II Peter 3:3-13)

Both Abram and Sarai had good intentions of wanting God’s will to be done, but they went about it some other way. Hudson Taylor once said;