David Macdonald - December 23rd 2025 -Studies in Genesis Part 13: Promises, Promises! Genesis 14 - 15 -
Genesis 1 – 11 : Events – 2000+ years of History
I. Formation of Universe, life, mankind & Marriage – male &
female (Ch. 1-2)
II. Fall of mankind into sin & first promise of Deliverer (Ch. 3)
III. Flood – judgment of sin –– entire Earth flooded (Ch. 7-8)
IV. Further rebellion – tower of Babel (Ch. 11)
V. Formation of languages& cultures (Ch. 11)
Genesis 1 – 11 : Events – 2000+ years of History
Genesis 12 – 50 : People – 350 years of History
Formation of a nation – Israel
Begins with Abram (Abraham)
Name = אברם = exalted father
Father of those who believe
Revered by 3 major religions
He is held forth as example in NT of justification by faith (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11)
Called Friend of God (2 Chronicles 20, Isaiah 41, James 2)
Abram’s Background
Descended from Shem (Noah’s son)
Lived in Ur in Mesopotamia
Called by God to leave Ur & family to go to…
Destination unknown
Brings father & nephew (Lot) – disobedience #1
Stayed in Haran – disobedience #2
Father dies – journey begins again
Famine in the land – heads to Egypt in search of prosperity – disobedience #3
Disobedience has roots in doubt – opposite of faith
Obeys God’s call – returns to Bethel
Dispute with Lot – herdsmen in conflict
Gives Lot choice of land
Lot moves to Sodom
Genesis 13:13 NLT But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD
Abram called to go to Canaan
Promise of a great nation and many offspring – Genesis 13:14-17
Genesis 14 and 15
Genesis 14 – Meeting Melchizedek
1 King of Salem and a priest
2. Melchizedek gives Abram bread and wine
3.Introduces - El Elyon means “Highest God,”
4.We have no idea where Melchizedekcame from
1. How did he come to be in Canaan?
2.How he came a worshipper and priest of the true God
3.How Abram came to know about him.
5.Psalms & Hebrews – a picture of Jesus Christ.
6.Type of Christ or theophany?
7.He blesses Abram
8.Abram pays him a tithe
Genesis 15 – Fear Not – How??
The Word of God –
➢ I am your shield; your reward shall be very great – Genesis 15:1
➢ Psalms 46:2 - Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
➢ Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
➢ Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you.“
➢ Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 12:7
John 14:27
John 14:1-3
Genesis 15:6
Romans 4:3-5
Romans 4:18-25
