After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying,
Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.
Read Chapter 15
Ambrose of Milan
AD 397
Because Abraham did not seek recompense from man, he received it from God, as we read in Scripture: “After these words the Lord spoke to Abraham in a vision saying, Fear not, Abraham, I will protect you. Your reward will be exceedingly great.” The Lord is not slow to reward. He is eager to promise, and he gives in abundance, lest any delay cause weak souls to repent of having despised visible things. He pays back, so to speak, at high interest, rewarding with great abundance the one who has not been seduced by the things of this world that were offered to him. .
Fear not. He might naturally be under some apprehensions, lest the four kings should attempt to be revenged upon him.
Reward, since thou hast so generously despised earthly riches. (Haydock)
Abram was not asleep, but saw a vision of exterior objects, ver. 5.
God said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Abram.” Notice the extraordinary degree of his care. Why did he say, “Don’t be afraid”? Since Abraham had scorned so much wealth by giving little importance to the offerings of the king, God said to him, Have no fear for despising gifts of such value. Do not be distressed on the score of your diminished prosperity. “Don’t be afraid.” Then to cheer his spirit further, he adds his name to the encouragement by saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram.” It proves to be no little help in encouraging a person to invoke the name of the person we are addressing. Then he said, “I am your shield.” This phrase is also rich in meaning: I summoned you from the Chaldeans. I led you to this point. I rescued you from the perils of Egypt. I promised once and again to give this land to your descendants. It is I who will be your shield. After daily making you acclaimed by all, I will be your shield—that is, I will struggle in your place. I will be your shield. “Your reward will ...
