The Divine Guarantee
Genesis 15:17–21 (NASB95)
17It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. 18On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: 19the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite 20and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim 21and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.”
God revealed His faithfulness to Abram through a covenant ceremony that broke with every expectation of the ancient world. As darkness fell, a smoking firepot and a blazing torch—symbols of God's presence—passed between the divided animal pieces. Abram did nothing. He simply watched. In the ancient Near East, both parties would walk between the pieces, pledging to uphold their side of the agreement. Here, only God moved through the sacrifice. Abram was not asked to act or promise. God alone took responsibility for the covenant.
This was not a mutual contract. It was a divine promise. God swore by Himself to fulfill every word. Ancient covenants were always bilateral, with obligations for both sides. Yet God’s covenant with Abram was different. Abram was a recipient of promises. God’s commitment did not depend on Abram’s faithfulness or performance. God’s word alone secured the future.
God would again provide what He required when He asked Abram to offer Isaac. God would again swear by Himself, providing the substitute. These moments point forward to the heart of the Gospel. Ultimately, God’s faithfulness would be seen in Christ, who fulfilled the covenant on behalf of all humanity. Even when Israel and all people proved unfaithful, God’s promise stood firm. God’s grace does not depend on human effort. He provides, even when we cannot.
The modern church can rest in the assurance that God’s promises do not depend on our perfection. God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our hope. We are called to trust, not to strive for what only God can give. When we fail, God remains true. His covenant love is secure. Let us live with confidence, knowing He is and will always be our provider.