The names listed here, are not just a census. They are a history, a history of the promise made by God to Abraham. A promise and a covenant:
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward. "
But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir."
Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. - Ex.15:1-6 NIV
All of these names, and the millions of others not mentioned, are the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Spread throughout these chapters are the names of others who believed God: Moses, Caleb, Joshua, Samuel. Mighty men of God, who saw not what was around them, but God. Who knew that God alone was their shield and their reward.
No comments:
Post a Comment