Reading for May 19th

 Read Genesis 15.1-10. In 15.1-21: God's covenant with Abram. This story probably developed over a long period of time. It contains a  very ancient covenant ceremony (vv. 10, 17) and later additions that point to future events in the Exodus out of Egypt and the conquest of Canaan (vv. 12-16) In verses 2-3: Abram complains to God that the promise of many children and descendants shows no signs of being fulfilled. Abram's only apparent heir is his household slave, Eliezer, which reflects a custom that a chief servant could inherit the possessions of a couple who died without children. This key verse is the basis for Abram's reputation as a man of great trust in God (Gal 3.6-9). He believed the Lord means Abram trusted God to make good on the promise, The Lord in return reckoned or evaluated Abram's trust in God as righteousness. Righteousness denotes a relationship that is in good order. In verses 7-8: The topic from the promise of children to the promise of land. Again, Abram pleads for a sign of reassurance. In verses 9-10: God responds to Abram's requests for a sign by setting up an ancient covenant ceremony. The bodies of animals are cut in two and laid out on two sides with a path between them. By walking down the path, the one making the covenant promise apparently pledges that he will be cut in two like the animals if he does not fulfill the promise made. Jeremiah 34.18 mentions a similar covenant ceremony. Comments or Questions..