15:1 word of the LORD. This is the first use of “word” in Scripture and, significantly, personifies the “word of the LORD.” This verse also contains the first mentions of “vision,” “fear not,” “shield,” “reward,” and “I am.” In effect, God comforts Abram after a most traumatic experience, urging him not to fear the words of men, since the word of the Lord assured him both full protection and abundant provision.

15:1 I am thy shield. Here is the first of the great “I am’s” of Christ, and probably this incident was that to which He referred when He said, “Abraham rejoiced to see my day” (John 8:56), and then claimed “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). In fact, “I am” is the very name of the self-revealing God (Exodus 3:14).