A Covenant of Promise

Abram does not walk through, signifying that the covenant’s fulfillment rests solely on God.

Genesis 15

The covenant God makes with Abram in Genesis 15 is deeply significant both theologically and symbolically, as it establishes the foundation of God’s relationship with Abram (later Abraham), his descendants, and ultimately humanity. Here are the key aspects and significance of this unique covenant:

1. A Covenant of Promise and Grace

• Unilateral Covenant: This covenant is initiated and fulfilled by God alone. Unlike a bilateral agreement where both parties have obligations, God makes it clear that He will bear the responsibility for its fulfillment.

• God’s Promises: The covenant includes three specific promises:

1. Land: God promises Abram’s descendants the land from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River (v. 18).

2. Offspring: Despite Abram’s advanced age and Sarai’s barrenness, God assures him his descendants will be as numerous as the stars (v. 5).

3. Blessing: The covenant sets the stage for Abram’s role as the father of a nation through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

This underscores God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, regardless of human ability or merit.

2. Ratification Through Ancient Ritual

• Cutting of Animals: Abram is instructed to prepare a ritual by cutting animals in half and laying them opposite each other. This was a common practice in ancient covenants, symbolizing that both parties would suffer the same fate as the animals if they broke the agreement.

• God Alone Passes Through: In a dramatic moment, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the pieces (v. 17), representing God’s presence. Abram does not walk through, signifying that the covenant’s fulfillment rests solely on God.

• This foreshadows God’s future faithfulness, even when humanity fails.

3. Addressing Abram’s Fears and Questions

• Abram’s Doubts: Abram expresses concerns about his lack of an heir (v. 2) and the promise of land (v. 8). God reassures him by formalizing the promise through the covenant.

• Faith as Righteousness: Genesis 15:6 states, “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” This is a foundational moment in biblical theology, demonstrating that faith, not works, is the basis of righteousness. This theme is echoed in the New Testament (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6).

4. Foreshadowing of Redemption

• Prophecy of Egypt: God reveals to Abram that his descendants will be enslaved in a foreign land for 400 years before being delivered and inheriting the promised land (v. 13-16). This points to the Exodus, establishing God as a deliverer and redeemer.

• Christological Connection: The covenant points forward to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to bless all nations through Abram. The unilateral nature of the covenant mirrors the work of Christ, who bore the penalty for sin and fulfilled the requirements of the law on humanity’s behalf.

5. Eternal Implications

• Covenant Fulfillment: The covenant’s promises—land, offspring, and blessing—are not just temporal but eternal. They reflect God’s long-term plan for His people and the coming of His kingdom.

• Faith as the Covenant Marker: Just as Abram’s belief was counted as righteousness, faith continues to be the defining marker of those who are part of God’s covenant (Romans 4:16).

Conclusion

The covenant in Genesis 15 is a pivotal moment in redemptive history. It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to His promises, His willingness to bear the covenant’s burden, and the centrality of faith. It also establishes the framework for understanding God’s relationship with His people, culminating in the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. This covenant demonstrates that salvation and blessing come by grace through faith, a truth that reverberates throughout the Bible.