Chapter Nine: The Covenant

Abstract

Now Abram has a vision of revelation, an apparition—apparently not a dream, because later, it says that he fell asleep. This is an actual revelation that cannot be dismissed as the imagination of a dream. God says to Abram, Fear not, meaning, do not be apprehensive about your childless state, and less, do not fear me: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward is very great. These are give-and-take relations, despite all the aspirations of spiritual people to see more than this in Abram. The reward is very great, far beyond that which Abram gives to God, completely out of proportion. But Abram balks and asks what God will give him, since he is childless to a shameful degree, and his only heir is his assistant.