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  COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 15-18
  by Chuck Smith
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CONTENT
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Now after these things (Gen 15:1)

That is, after the battle against these kings, after the meeting of
Melchizedek, after the refusal of taking the reward and so forth from
the king of Sodom.

the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not,
Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward (Gen 15:1).

"The word of the LORD", this is the first time this phrase is used in
the Bible. It will now be used many, many times over. But always the
first usage is always interesting of a phrase. And this is the first
usage of the phrase, "The word of the LORD". Later in the New Testament
we find the word of the LORD being identified as Jesus Christ.

"In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and
without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and
the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness;
the darkness comprehended it not" (John 1:1-5) and so forth. And then
"the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

The word of the LORD came of Abraham in a vision. It could be that Jesus
was referring to this when He said, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and
saw it" (John 8:56). "Word of the LORD came to Abraham in a vision."

This is the first time that the term "shield" is used or "reward" is
used and it is the first time God revealed Himself as the "I am." "I am
thy shield and exceeding great reward." Jesus picked up this term many
times in the New Testament. "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). I
am the bread of life, down from heaven" (John 6:48,50). I am the good
shepherd" (John 10:11). And so many times Jesus in John\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/commentary-on-genesis-15-18/
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