Genesis 15:2
And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
Genesis 15:2
Abram voices a real human concern: he remains childless, and his household heir is Eliezer of Damascus. The heir question is not merely about lineage; it’s about legitimacy of inheritance, continuity of the family line, and God’s promised blessing through one who will carry on Abram’s name. Abram’s openness about his fears reveals a father-to-be’s heart. In the cultural context, inheritance norms were crucial; without a male heir, questions of legitimacy and stability would abound.
The passage shows honest dialogue with God, a lead-in to the radical promise that will come in due time: God will give Abram a son. It also emphasizes that human perception of impossibility does not bind God’s plans. The Bible presents faith as honesty with God about one’s limitations, not denial of reality. The dialogue builds Abram’s character as one who questions, wrestles, and ultimately rests in God’s timing.
It’s natural to doubt when dreams seem delayed. Scripture invites us to bring our questions to God rather than doubt God’s character. Practical steps: name your “Eliezer” moments—the ways you think your plan must be the only plan—and invite God to redefine them. Seek mentors or spiritual disciplines that cultivate patience. Remember that discernment often arrives in seasons of waiting.
Cross-References
- Genesis 12:2-3
- Romans 4:18-21
- Hebrews 11:11-12