Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. Look now toward heaven] It appears that this whole transaction took place in the evening; see on chap. xiii. 14. Abram had either two visions, that recorded in ver. 1, and that in ver. 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 ver. 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 ver. 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 2-6 - Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to complain to him; and to state all our grievances. It is ease to a burdened spirit to open its case to a faithful and compassionate friend. Abram' complaint is, that he had no child; that he was never likely to have any; that the want of a son was so great a trouble to him, that it too away all his comfort. If we suppose that Abram looked no further tha outward comfort, this complaint was to be blamed. But if we suppos that Abram herein had reference to the promised Seed, his desire wa very commendable. Till we have evidence of our interest in Christ, we should not rest satisfied; what will all avail me, if I go Christless If we continue instant in prayer, yet pray with humble submission to the Divine will, we shall not seek in vain. God gave Abram an expres promise of a son. Christians may believe in God with respect to the common concerns of this life; but the faith by which they ar justified, always has respect to the person and work of Christ. Abra believed in God as promising Christ; they believe in him as havin raised him from the dead, Ro 4:24. Through faith in his blood the obtain forgiveness of sins.
Original Hebrew ויוצא3318 אתו853 החוצה2351 ויאמר559 הבט5027 נא4994 השׁמימה8064 וספר5608 הכוכבים3556 אם518 תוכל3201 לספר5608 אתם853 ויאמר559 לו כה3541 יהיה1961 זרעך׃2233
