English: Scripture’s intent is to make known the extraordinary love of Avraham for his Maker: Hashem appeared to him and announced offspring and the gift of the land, yet he regarded those two great good tidings as nothing compared with his joy at the revelation of the Shechinah.
Context: The building of the altar is read as response to the appearance itself more than to the content of the promise.
What Is Learned
Avraham’s primary rejoicing is in the encounter with God, not in the material promises that accompany it.