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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Thus God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that in his seed the blessing should come upon the heathen; and this blessing the Law cannot turn aside. As this example was not in all respects appropriate to the matter in hand, he introduces it thus, "I speak after the manner of men," that nothing might be deduced from it derogatory to the majesty of God. But let us go to the bottom of this illustration. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
And God gave a testament to Abraham, that in his seed the nations would be blessed. And his seed is Christ, because it did not say "seeds," lest you think of the Jews and Ishmaelites descended from him, but simply "in seed," which, as stated, is Christ.
Irenaeus
If, then, God promised him the inheritance of the land, yet he did not receive it during all the time of his sojourn there, it must be, that together with his seed, that is, those who fear God and believe in Him, he shall receive it at the resurrection of the just. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, "To Abraham were the promises made," he takes up the promise God made to Abraham, which is, as it were, the testament of God. First, he explains this promise or testament; Secondly, he discloses the truth contained therein (v. 16): "He saith not: And to his seeds." He says therefore: "To Abraham were the promises made." As if to say: As the testament of a man is valid, so the divine promises are valid. But did God make any promises before the Law? …
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