Read Genesis 15
God’s further development of his covenant with Abram.
“Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (from Genesis 15:1)
Fear not, Abram.
Abram has turned down great wealth in the previous chapter. He could have taken spoils from a battle he rightly won, but turned them down in order to honour God. He was given the choice to take credit for his own victory, and take spoils from the battle, or give God credit and tithe from those spoils. He does the latter. God assures him that the reward he will give him will be great. Just as Abram said in the last chapter, God affirms that he is his source and provider. The spoils of war will not be his provision. He does not need to contend for what God has for him. He does not need to worry. God's promises are sure.
This reminds us of Genesis 12, when God assures Abram that he will make his name great, and that he will establish him in a land, in contrast to the actions of the people of Babel in the previous chapter.
God's Covenant with Abram
v2 - Abram calls God "Sovereign Lord" – a significant understanding of God’s nature.
vv2-3 - Eliezer was probably adopted by Sarai and Abram to take care of them in their old age. This was a common custom at the time.
Eliezer was likely the servant that Abraham later trusted to look for a wife for Isaac, given the closeness of their relationship and the degree of trust necessary for the sober task.
v4 - God's Promise-son from your own body
“Look at the stars”
Abram believed. God calls him righteous.
The seed is God's
Our faith receives it.
v6 - Abram BELIEVED - this specifically means that Abram took what God said as true, and then acted upon it as though it was true.
"Believe in" is a misleading translation. The original Hebrew does not imply a comprehensive or total belief system. In this case, the phrase only refers to this specific promise, and Abram's acceptance of it as truth.
Righteousness in this verse, and the rest of the Old Testament, refers to a right action that brings blessing to you and those around you. When you do right, you have success and improve the quality of life for those affected by yours.
In this case, Abram's trust that God was telling him the truth created a legacy of righteousness, of a better and more fulfilling life for his descendants.
v8 - Abram believes God simply for the promise of descendants, but asks for confirmation for the promise of land. God does not disapprove.
The Covenant of Broken Animals (Genesis 15:8-21)
Jeremiah 34:18 shows a similar covenant ritual where an individual passes through dead animals.
Leviticus 2:4 is a good example of the earthen pot likely referred to in this chapter. It's used for baking in the oven, both for home use and ceremonial offerings.
A torch provides light, of course. It is also frequently used in scripture in connection to military or judgment. For example, Gideon's army or Zechariah 12:6.
Both of these images are common representations of deity in Mesopotamian culture. Yahweh is using a commonly recognized symbol to represent himself. Ancient Hittite culture had a covenant ceremony where one or both parties would swear an oath, and then walk through the halves of a recently killed animal. This invoked a curse of themself, meaning that if they broke their promise, they would be cut open and their blood spilled until they are dead. God was marking his promises to Abram with his own life. In effect, he was saying that he would be willing to die to make his promise come to pass.
God told Abram his plans for Israel. Their time in Egypt was not a mistake. It was planned and orchestrated by God. Just as Joseph said after his ordeal in prison, God meant it for good.
By God’s authority, he gives purpose and direction to the void. There are no mistakes. There are no accidents.
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