12:7 appeared. The sojourning patriarchs were prophets (15:1, 4; 17:1; 18:1; 20:7; 26:2, 24; 28:10–15; 31:3; 35:9; 48:3; cf. Ps. 105:12–15).

offspring. Grammatically, the Hebrew for “offspring” is a collective singular noun. Paul declares that it pertains uniquely to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16) and to all those who share Abraham’s faith in God (Rom. 4:16, 23–24; Gal. 3:26–29).

built there an altar. By this act the father of the new nation consecrates the Promised Land to God (Ex. 20:24; Josh. 22:19). See v. 8; 13:18; 22:9; 26:25; 35:7.