Genesis 12:7

Genesis 12:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Jehovah, who appeared unto him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord came to Abram, and said, I will give all this land to your seed; then Abram made an altar there to the Lord who had let himself be seen by him.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I'm going to give this land to your descendants.” So Abram built an altar to the Lord there because that was where the Lord appeared to him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord appeared vnto Abram, and said, Vnto thy seede will I giue this land. And there builded he an altar vnto the Lord, which appeared vnto him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah appeareth unto Abram, and saith, 'To thy seed I give this land;' and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah, who hath appeared unto him.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” He built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD appeared to Abram, and said, To thy seed will I give this land: and there he erected an altar to the LORD, who appeared to him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him: To thy seed will I give this land. And he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I will give this land to your descendants.” Then Abram built a stone altar to offer a sacrifice to Yahweh because Yahweh had appeared to him.

Plain English Version PEV

God showed himself to Abram there, and God said to him, “I will give this country to your son, and to all the people that will be born into his family later on.” So Abram piled up stones to make a table with a flat top. It was a special place for him to burn animals to show right respect to God.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 12:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּרָ֤א יְהוָה֙ אֶל אַבְרָ֔ם וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר לְ/זַ֨רְעֲ/ךָ֔ אֶתֵּ֖ן אֶת הָ/אָ֣רֶץ הַ/זֹּ֑את וַ/יִּ֤בֶן שָׁם֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ לַ/יהוָ֖ה הַ/נִּרְאֶ֥ה אֵלָֽי/ו

וַ/יֵּרָ֤א râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אַבְרָ֔ם ʼAbrâm H87 Abram N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/זַ֨רְעֲ/ךָ֔ zeraʻ H2233 seed Prep | N-ms | Suff

אֶתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אָ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

וַ/יִּ֤בֶן bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 there Adv

מִזְבֵּ֔חַ mizbêach H4196 altar N-ms

לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

הַ/נִּרְאֶ֥ה râʼâh H7200 Provider Art | V-Niphal

אֵלָֽי/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:7

וַ/יֵּרָ֤א râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אַבְרָ֔ם ʼAbrâm H87 "Abram" N-proper

Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לְ/זַ֨רְעֲ/ךָ֔ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

אֶתֵּ֖ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אָ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

הַ/זֹּ֑את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וַ/יִּ֤בֶן bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

מִזְבֵּ֔חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" N-ms

An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.

Definition: altar

Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.

לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

הַ/נִּרְאֶ֥ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Art | V-Niphal

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

אֵלָֽי/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Genesis 12:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 12:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:7
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:7
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:7
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:7
Sermons on Genesis 12:7

Context — The Call of Abram

5And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.

7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

8From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. 9And Abram journeyed on toward the Negev.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 17:8	And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”
2	Genesis 18:1	Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.
3	Genesis 13:15	for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever.
4	Galatians 3:16	The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.
5	Genesis 17:1	When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.
6	Genesis 13:4	to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
7	Psalms 105:9–12	the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.” When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land,
8	Genesis 13:18	So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
9	Genesis 26:25	So Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there. His servants also dug a well there.
10	Exodus 33:1	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’

Genesis 12:7 Summary

In Genesis 12:7, the LORD appears to Abram and promises to give the land of Canaan to his offspring. This promise is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, establishing God's covenant with Abram and his descendants. Abram responds by building an altar to worship and acknowledge God's presence, demonstrating his trust and commitment to the LORD (similar to the actions of Noah in Genesis 8:20). As we reflect on this verse, we can see that God's promises are always fulfilled, and we can trust in His faithfulness, just as Abram did, and as we see in Romans 4:20-22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the LORD appearing to Abram in Genesis 12:7?

The appearance of the LORD to Abram signifies a direct communication and promise from God, establishing a personal relationship with Abram and setting the stage for the covenant promises that will unfold, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 15:18.

Why did Abram build an altar to the LORD after the promise was given?

Abram built an altar to express his gratitude, worship, and commitment to the LORD, acknowledging God's presence and promise in his life, similar to the actions of Noah in Genesis 8:20 and Moses in Exodus 17:15.

What does the promise 'I will give this land to your offspring' mean for Abram and his descendants?

This promise signifies that the land of Canaan will be inherited by Abram's offspring, fulfilling God's plan to establish a chosen people and ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Genesis 12:3 and fulfilled in Galatians 3:16.

How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of the Bible?

Genesis 12:7 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of God's covenant with Abram and his descendants, which will be developed throughout the Old Testament and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 4:13-25.

Reflection Questions

What are the ways in which God has appeared to me or spoken to me in my life, and how have I responded?
What are the promises that God has given to me, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them?
How can I, like Abram, build 'altars' in my life to worship and acknowledge God's presence and promises?
What are the ways in which I can pass on the promises and faith of God to my own 'offspring', whether biological or spiritual?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:7

And the Lord appeared unto Abram,.... Perhaps in an human form, and so it was the Son of God; for whenever there was any visible appearance of a divine Person, under the former dispensation, it seems

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Unto thy seed ... give this land.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:7

The Lord appeared unto Abram, to encourage and comfort him against his wicked neighbours: see 15:18 17:8 24:7 . There built he an altar, a place for sacrifice, and other parts of Divine worship, erected by him both to keep his family in the true religion, and to separate himself and them from that idolatrous neighbourhood.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:7

Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.Ver. 7. And there builded he an altar to Jehovah.] Although the Canaanite was then in the land. God hath promised, when he cleanseth his Church, that "the Canaanite shall be there no more". But while they are there, we must "shine as lamps amidst a crooked and cursed generation, holding forth the word of life"; as an ensign, bearing up God’ s name as a badge, or beacon; wearing his mark in our foreheads, the place of open profession; setting up an altar even amidst idolaters, as Abram, and calling it "Jehovahnissi - the Lord is my banner," as Moses. Some that seemed to wish well to Edmund Allan Martyr, bid him keep his conscience to himself, and to follow Baruch’ s counsel: Wherefore, when ye see the multitude of people worshipping them behind and before, say in your hearts, O Lord, it is thou that oughtest only to be worshipped. These had more of Nicodemus in them than of Nathanael. Act. and Mon., fol. 1796.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:7

(7) The Lord appeared unto Abram.—This is the first time that any appearance of the Deity is men tioned. Always previously the communications between God and man had been direct, without the intervention of any visible medium. Thus, God commanded Adam (Genesis 2:16); Adam and Eve heard His voice (Genesis 3:8), and He called them (Genesis 3:9); He said unto Cain (Genesis 4:6-9); unto Noah (Genesis 6:13; Genesis 7:1), and spake unto him (Genesis 8:15; Genesis 9:8): but henceforward we read repeatedly of a Divine appearance, and this visible manifestation is subsequently connected with the phrase “an angel of Jehovah” (see Genesis 16:7; Genesis 22:11, &c), and less frequently “an angel of God” (Genesis 21:17; Judges 6:20; Judges 13:9). Upon the question whether this was a created angel, or whether it was an anticipation of the incarnation of Christ, see Excursus on “Angel of Jehovah” at end of this book. There builded he an altar unto the Lord.—By so doing he took possession of the land for Jehovah, and consecrated it to Him. The altar would, further, be a place of public worship and of sacrifice. In a similar spirit Noah had taken possession of the renovated earth (Genesis 8:20).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:7

Verse 7. The Lord appeared] In what way this appearance was made we know not; it was probably by the great angel of the covenant, Jesus the Christ. The appearance, whatsoever it was, perfectly satisfied Abram, and proved itself to be supernatural and Divine. It is worthy of remark that Abram is the first man to whom God is said to have shown himself or appeared: 1. In Ur of the Chaldees, Acts 7:2; and 2. At the oak of Moreh, as in this verse. As מורה Moreh signifies a teacher, probably this was called the oak of Moreh or the teacher, because God manifested himself here, and instructed Abram concerning the future possession of that land by his posterity, and the dispensation of the mercy of God to all the families of the earth through the promised Messiah. See Clarke on Genesis 15:7.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:7

7. And the Lord appeared] The first mention of a Theophany in the patriarchal narrative. What form it took, and in what way it was connected with the “sacred tree” or the altar, is not related. Unto thy seed will I give this land] The continuance of the Divine promise. In Genesis 12:2-3 we had the blessing of the people and the patriarch, in general terms. In this verse, immediately after the mention of the Canaanite occupation, possession of “this land” is promised to the descendants of Abram. This verse lays the foundation of the imperishable devotion of “the seed of Abram” to the Land of Promise. builded he an altar] Cf. Genesis 8:20. The building of an altar which implies the rite of sacrifice is mentioned in connexion with the promises and appearances of God, cf. 8, Genesis 13:18, Genesis 33:20, Genesis 35:1; Genesis 35:7. Sacrifice was the expression of the patriarch’s dependence on, communion with, and devotion to, Jehovah.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:7

7. The Lord appeared unto Abram — This is the first time that Jehovah is said to have appeared to man; and here, at Shechem, Christ revealed himself as the Messiah to a woman of Samaria.

Sermons on Genesis 12:7

	Sermon	Description
	Hebrews 11 - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights key moments in his journey as described in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes the importance of followin
	(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now! by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith ser
	Quiet Time by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God and maintaining a life of victory. He encourages the audience to avoid seeking other way
	Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and
	(Genesis) Genesis 12:4-9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in order to receive blessings. The preacher uses the example of Abram, who only saw God appear to him aft
	God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him,
	Christ in Genesis: Abraham's Altar by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the third phase of the working of the cross in our lives. He uses the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis chapter twenty-two to illustrat