Year of the Bible: Part Two of Twelve Sample

God's Covenant with Abram.

"After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." '

Previously, God promised to give Abram a son, and now, God tells Abram that He is Abram's shield and great reward. In a bold move, Abram asks for clarification about God's promise of a son.

God initiates a covenant with Abram in response to Abram's question. The Baker Illustrated Bible tells us, "A covenant is a binding, formal agreement made between two parties. Covenants play a vital role in the Bible because God is often one of the parties involved in the covenant. God is the one who initiates the covenant, thus binding himself to an agreement or a set of promises."

God performs the ritual by Himself, indicating that He will surely fulfill the covenant, regardless of Abram's ability to uphold it. This example perfectly illustrates the core elements of a biblical covenant. God initiates, maintains, and fulfills these kinds of covenants for our benefit. I

n the IVP Bible Background Commentary, Old Testament, we are given this context, "Walking through this sacrificial pathway could be seen as a symbolic action enacting both the covenant's promise of land and a curse on the one who violates the promise." And later says, "The fire-pot is made of earthenware and could be of various sizes. It functioned as an oven principally for baking, including baking grain offerings (Lev.2:4)."

The torch could undoubtedly provide light, but it is also used in military contexts or to speak of God's judgment (Zech. 12:6). Mesopotamian rituals of this period usually featured a sacred torch and censer in the initiation of rites, particularly nocturnal rites of purification.

Purification would be accomplished by the torch and censer being moved alongside someone or something. While in Mesopotamia, the torch and oven represented particular deities, here they represent Yahweh, perhaps as the purifier.

This would be one of many instances where the Lord used familiar concepts and motifs to reveal himself. "Usually, both parties agreeing to the covenant would go through the ritual. This passage is rich with examples of God's Character and faithfulness! He wants Abram to teach his family about God, but He takes responsibility for the covenant with Abram and promises to fulfill the covenant, no matter what!

All of the symbolism in the covenant is significant because the offspring of Abram would encounter many opportunities to doubt. But, the fact that God took all the time to set up and take responsibility for the covenant and then pledged to keep it is a beautiful picture of how faithful He is to those He has chosen. Again, God initiates, maintains, and fulfills these kinds of covenants for our benefit.

Question: What are some of the attributes of God that you see depicted here as God talks to Abram?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a revelation of how His covenant with Abram can be applied to your life today.