Genesis 15:11

And when the fowles came downe vpon the carcases, Abram droue them away.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And the birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And evil birds came down on the bodies, but Abram sent them away.
- Basic English Bible

And the birds of prey came down on the carcases; and Abram scared them away.
- Darby Bible

And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
- Webster's Bible

The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
- World English Bible

and the ravenous birds come down upon the carcases, and Abram causeth them to turn back.
- Youngs Literal Bible

And the birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 15:11

15:9 Take me an heifer - Perhaps Abram expected some sign from heaven, but God gives him a sign upon a sacrifice. Those that would receive the assurances of God's favour, must attend instituted ordinances, and expect to meet with God in them. Observe, God appointed that each of the beasts used for his service should be three years old, because then they were at their full growth and strength. God must be served with the best we have. We do not read that God gave Abram particular directions how to manage these, knowing that he was well versed in the custom of sacrifices. Abram took as God appointed him, though as yet he knew not how these things should become a sign to him. He divided the beasts in the midst, according to the ceremony used in continuing covenants, #Jer 34:18|,19, where it is said, they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts. Abram, having prepared according to God's appointment, set himself to expect what sign God would give him by these.

15:12 And when the sun was going down - About the time of the evening oblation. Early in the morning, while the stars were yet to be seen, God had given him orders concerning the sacrifices, #Ge 15:5|, and we may suppose it was at least his morning's work to prepare them, and set them in order; which when he had done, he abode by them praying and waiting 'till towards evening. A deep sleep fell upon Abram - Not a common sleep through weariness or carelessness, but a divine extasy, that being wholly taken off from things sensible, he might be wholly taken up with the contemplation of things spiritual. The doors of the body were locked up, that the soul might be private and retired, and might act the more freely. And lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him - This was designed to strike an awe upon the spirit of Abram, and to possess him with a holy reverence. Holy fear prepares the soul for holy joy; God humbles first, and then lifts up.

15:13 Thy seed shall be strangers - So they were in Canaan first, #Psa 105:11|,12, and afterwards in Egypt: before they were lords of their own land, they were strangers in a strange land. The inconveniences of an unsettled state make a happy settlement the more welcome. Thus the heirs of heaven are first strangers on earth. And them they shall serve - So they did the Egyptians, #Exo 1:13|. See how that which was the doom of the Canaanites, #Gen 9:25|, proves the distress of Abram's seed: they are made to serve; but with this difference, the Canaanites serve under a curse, the Hebrews under a blessing. And they shall afflict them - See #Exo 1:11|. Those that are blessed and beloved of God are often afflicted by wicked men. This persecution began with mocking, when Ishmael the son of an Egyptian, persecuted Isaac, #Gen 21:9|, and it came at last to murder, the basest of murders, that of their new born children; so that more or less it continued 400 years.