Genesis 15:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He articulates his lack of desire for earthly possessions, asserting that even were he to gain more, it would bring him no joy without a rightful heir born of a free woman. Observe how he instinctively seeks a true understanding of what is valuable, driven by nature rather than mere statutes. Although Abraham had a son, Ishmael, he still regarded himself as childless. This indicates an intrinsic truth: a child from illicit and unlawful unions cannot rightfully be called a son, as it is stated, “he shall not give root in the deep” (Prem. 4:3). Any child born of a maidservant is, in essence, of little worth and cannot foster the same joy as a child from a free woman. Abraham emphasized further, "This Eliezer of Damascus is the steward in my house." In other words, he viewed the child born from the lineage of a householder as his final solace. The name Damascus means ‘comfort.’ Therefore, he considered Eliezer a means of intercession and support from God. Thus, it is as if he articulated, "Instead of the rightful blood and love, the comfort of a servant and God's intercession shall indeed serve as my heir." He implores, “What will You give me?” Without a legitimate successor, he felt the weight of shame upon himself before You, O LORD. For being childless signifies a deprivation of children who are both free and true-born.

Furthermore, to the pure and prophetic mind, the notion of eternal offspring holds great significance. Abraham longed for the emergence of wisdom and a legacy of faith. His cry, "What wilt Thou give me? I remain childless," reflects this desire. He sought the progeny of the Church, not a bondservant's inheritance, but rather a free inheritance—one rooted not in the flesh, but in grace.

In summary, let us examine the request Abraham makes of the Lord. He does not yearn for material wealth, nor for a prolonged life to escape fear, nor for authority; instead, he seeks a worthy heir for his endeavors. He asks, "What wilt Thou give me?" as he laments, "I remain childless," and further states, "Thou hast given me no offspring; my household shall be my heir." Therefore, individuals should grasp the importance of the marital bond and refrain from engaging with those who do not match them in spirit, for this may yield offspring who cannot be recognized as heirs. Even if they do not prioritize honor, they ought to pursue a respectable marriage in light of preserving their legacy.

The implication of these statements is either that, in place of a son who ought to inherit his father's estate, Abram is compelled to rely on a foreign servant for his household management, or it signifies a notion not yet fulfilled, thus complemented by the next phrase: he shall be my heir. Eliezer stands out in Abram's narrative as his first, albeit only hypothetical, heir. In this role, he shares a connection with Ishmael and Isaac, whose identities bear profound significance. Yet, since Isaac symbolizes, according to the allegorical interpretation by the Apostle Paul (Gal. 4:22-28), the life of the New Testament, characterized by spiritual freedom and the pure outcome of faith, while Ishmael represents the life of the Old Testament, marked by moral struggle as a consequence of faith mingled with the law, we find in Eliezer the embodiment of natural existence and its correlation with the true path to perfection. After experiencing self-denial, achieving victories over worldly desires, and confronting the flesh, the faithful often encounter moments of confusion and doubt, swinging between the dread of condemnation and the hope for redemption. Disheartened by ongoing spiritual barrenness following multiple trials and cleansings, he may attempt to reduce the concept of grace promises to the natural realm in which he currently exists, rather than striving to elevate himself towards the true essence of spiritual promises. He may rely on the innate virtues of humanity and charity as a foundation for claiming the eternal inheritance. If this reliance arises not from selfishness or an inflated view of his deeds but from humility, an awareness of his own weakness, and a lack of understanding of the higher path to perfection, and if he still seeks to draw near to God through prayer, then grace discloses that external, natural virtues, being products of flesh and blood, cannot inherit the kingdom of God; it is the inner reborn spirit that is destined for that. He who embraces this with sincere faith enters the path of justification. As he is grounded in the covenant of faith and trust in God, it becomes apparent that the regenerated individual will encounter new trials, alienations, tribulations, and crosses continuously until he reaches the heavenly homeland.