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He took him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn`t divide the birds.
Verse Takeaways
1
The 'Cutting' of a Covenant
Commentators widely agree that dividing animals was a known ancient ceremony for making a solemn promise, or "cutting a covenant." As referenced in Jeremiah 34:18-19, the parties would typically pass between the pieces, signifying a self-curse: "May I be torn apart like these animals if I break this agreement." This highlights the incredible gravity and binding nature of the promise God is making to Abram.
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Genesis
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6
18th Century
Presbyterian
19th Century
Anglican
Take me an heifer ... — This form of making a covenant was probably the usual form in Babylonia, and thus Abram received …
Baptist
Here is a lesson for us. Perhaps you have some of these unclean birds coming down upon your sacrifice right now. That raven that you did not lock u…
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16th Century
Protestant
And divided them in the midst. So that no part of this sacrifice may be without mystery, certain interpreters weary themselves in fabricat…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And he took unto him all these The heifer, goat, ram, turtle, and young pigeon, not to himself, but to the Lord, as …
Assurance was given to Abram of the land of Canaan for an inheritance. God never promises more than he is able to perform, as men often do. Abram d…
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