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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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Book Overview
Genesis
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 15:1–21
18th Century
Theologian
- דבר dābār — “a word, a thing;” the word being the sign of the thing.
- אדני 'ǎdonāy — “Adonai, the…
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 15:9–10
19th Century
Bishop
Take me an heifer ... — This form of making a covenant was probably the usual form in Babylonia, and thus Abram received …
Charles Spurgeon
On Genesis 15:9–11
19th Century
Preacher
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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John Calvin
On Genesis 15:10
16th Century
Theologian
And divided them in the midst. So that no part of this sacrifice may be without mystery, certain interpreters weary themselves in fabricat…
John Gill
On Genesis 15:10
17th Century
Pastor
And he took unto him all these
The heifer, goat, ram, turtle, and young pigeon, not to himself, but to the Lord, as …
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 15:7–11
17th Century
Minister
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…