God told Avraham not to fear. What was the reason behind Avraham’s fear?
RSRH cites some opinions. 1) He was afraid that perhaps among those he killed in the battles of the previous chapter, there were some innocent men. 2) Perhaps the great victory of the war he won had used up his merit and he would no longer merit to save mankind through his children.
RSRH then says that a more plausible explanation can be found clearly in the text, as follows:
The manner in which God presented Himself to Avraham is what caused the fear. God spoke in a vision. The seer of a vision sees from afar. The words used for God’s communication is דבר השם. The word means a decree from God. Something absolute. (When used together with לאמר as in וידבר השם אל משה לאמר its meaning is that God communicated something absolute and wants it to be explained in a way that is understood. Here too the word is added, meaning something of great importance is about to be said whose significance must be conveyed to the following generations.) The manner of revelation shook Avraham and prepared him for a harsh prophecy.
Additionally, telling Avraham to not be afraid was itself cause for fear. This is similar to when God later tells Yaakov, on his way to finally reunite with his son after a long separation, not to be afraid. The declaration itself was the sign that what is to come will be fearful, but that Yaakov should have faith that it is necessary and will bring to the outcome that God is directing as part of His plan for mankind.
In both cases, this is the expression God uses before the announcement or the next phase of גלות exile. What follows in this chapter is the covenant between the pieces wherein God declared the need for exile.
God continues… He assures Avraham that while a sacrifice will be demanded of him (instilling fear in him), he will be compensated for it. “I will shield you. Your reward is very great.”
Beraishis 15:1
pages 347-349
