Genesis15_17-21

Genesis 15:17–21

And it came to pass that, when the sun went down and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp passed between those pieces.

On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

The Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites,

The Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Rephaim,

The Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

In the Bible, Jesus Christ is the sacrifice who satisfies God by redeeming sinful people. In some sense, believers are also sacrifices to God. At sunset, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp passed between the pieces of the sacrifice. A furnace is used for burning and purification, while a burning lamp provides light. Hence, a believer suffers in order to be burned and purified by the smoking furnace, while at the same time being enlightened by the burning lamp. The greater the suffering through burning and purification, the greater the light upon the path of life. This is a common experience for a person who believes in God.

After receiving the sacrifice, God Elohim made a covenant with Abram concerning the boundary of the land given to his seed. This was fulfilled when King David established his kingdom. However, the people of Israel failed to follow God and were scattered throughout the world. Later, they were gathered again to rebuild their country. Nevertheless, the present boundary is not the same size as the land promised by God. Since God is faithful, something will happen to complete the promise, and Israel will extend its current boundaries.

God Elohim gave the details of the land where various families lived. This indicated that God gave Abram a true and effective covenant. The people living in the land were evidence to Abram. Therefore, where a country or family should be is already determined by the Most High God. He is a God of plan and purpose.