Reading for February 18th

Read Genesis 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. 7-10, 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 sign 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.
In verse 6 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 turn 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 turns from a 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 request 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.
In verse 11 the hovering birds of prey symbolize future obstacles that will threaten
the fulfillment of the promise.
In verses 12-16 the general future threat symbolized in v. 11 is specified in Abram's dream.
Abram's offspring shall be aliens and slaves in a land that is not theirs (v. 13),
a reference to Israel's future slavery in Egypt (Ex. 1-15).
The LORD promises that Abram's family will eventually return and settle
in the land of Canaan (v. 16).
Amorites (v. 16) is an alternate name for Canaanites.
In verses 17-21 the smoking fire pot and the flaming torch represent the LORD
walking down the path between the animal carcasses.
In effect, the LORD's action means, "I will be spit in tow like these animals
if I do not fulfill the promise."
Abram does not walk through the animals.
This is a one-sided and unconditional promise from God to Abram.
Comments or Questions...