Genesis 15
I. vv. 1–6 Promise of a Son
A v. 1 “Vision”: “the word of the LORD came to him”: “I am” and “reward”
B vv. 2–3 Abram’s question of the “Sovereign LORD” (Adonay Yahweh)
C vv. 4–5 “the word of the LORD came to him”: promise and sign of stars
v. 6 Abram believes the Lord
II. vv. 7–21 Prophecy of Land
A′ v. 7 Vision (implied): “I am” and “this land”
B′ v. 8 Abram’s question of the “Sovereign LORD” (Adonay Yahweh)
D v. 9 “the LORD said to him”: instructions for preparing covenant sacrifice
E vv. 10–12 Abram obeys and falls asleep
C′ vv. 13–17 “the LORD said to him”: prophecy and sign of passing torch
F vv. 18–21 “and the LORD … said”: description of the land
15:17 The “smoking firepot with a blazing torch” symbolized the presence of God as it passed between the animal parts. Among the many different Hebrew words for oven/furnace is “firepot” (tannûr), which was used for baking bread (Lev 26:26) and roasting grain for sacrifice (Lev 2:14; 7:9). A metaphorical use of “furnace” (tannûr) depicts divine judgment against Israel’s enemies (e.g., Isa 31:9; Ps 21:9[10]). “Smoke” (ʿāšān) attends divine theophanies (e.g., Isa 6:4), functioning as a veil, and may also signify the Lord’s wrath (2 Sam 22:9 = Ps 18:9). God’s appearance at Sinai (Exod 19:18) brings together the four elements of 15:17: smoke (ʿāšān), furnace (kibšān), fire (ʾēš), and lightning (lappîd at Exod 20:18). There is an unmistakable association between the events. A “torch” (lappîd) appears in prophetic descriptions of the awesome and eerie presence of God (cp. Ezek 1:13; Dan 10:6), and it pictures destruction (cp. Judg 15:5 with Zech 12:6). The thunderclaps and lightning (lappîd) with the thickly veiled smoke (ʿāšān) at Sinai (Exod 20:18) created fear in the Israelites, who begged Moses to meet with God in their behalf (20:19). The same contrasting effects of awe and fear, that is, attraction and retraction, are symbolized by the flaming fire in 15:17. The covenant promises hold forth both blessing and curse
God’s covenant with Abram is confirmed by a ritual (15:7–21). Abram is to bring a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a young pigeon. The heifer and the ram he is to cut in two and arrange in parallel rows. The most frequent way in Hebrew to say “make a covenant” is “cut a covenant.” The only other reference in the Old Testament to this kind of covenant ritual is Jeremiah 34:18.
In a deep sleep Abram observes a smoking firepot and a blazing torch pass between the portions of animal flesh. These fiery elements can only be symbols of God himself, for in the Bible fire represents the presence of God. The ritual here is dramatic. It is as if God is placing himself under a potential curse: “Abram, if I do not prove faithful to my word, let the same thing happen to me as has to this heifer and ram.” Abram thus believes the Lord.
Abram will not himself possess this land (vv. 13–16). Only when the sin of the Amorites (i.e., Canaanites) has reached its final stage of decay, will it pass to Israel. Although this is generations away, God already knows exactly the boundaries of the Promised Land (vv. 18–21).
The Israelites under Moses would also notice the significant parallel wording at the beginning of this chapter and the beginning of the law: “I am Yahweh who brought you out of Ur” (15:7) parallels Exodus 20:2, “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” This would have assured the Israelites that in spite of their bondage, in spite of the attempt to kill all the males, in spite of the armies of Egypt, God would judge their oppressors and deliver them.
This passage is an encouragement for New Testament believers as well. God affirms solemnly that he will fulfill all his promises to us that concern salvation and all his blessings that pertain to this life and the life to come (cf. 2 Pet 1:3–4) despite suffering, persecution, and even death. God has promised us eternal life, and death cannot nullify that promise. But because of the suffering and death in this world, for the promises of God to be fulfilled there must be a resurrection; otherwise our faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:12–19). The Bible is clear: God will keep his promises to us, even if, like Abram, we die without receiving all the promises. Ultimately all the promises will be fulfilled in the life to come.