Covenant of the pieces

Figures 016 A Deep Sleep Fell Upon Abram and a Horror Seized Him

Covenant of the pieces

The Covenant of the pieces (Hebrew: ברית בין הבתרים, Brit bein HaBetarim) is a significant event in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. This covenant is a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and Abraham, marking the promise of the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants.

Biblical Narrative

The narrative of the Covenant of the pieces is found in Genesis 15. In this chapter, God appears to Abraham in a vision and reassures him of his future. Despite Abraham's concerns about his lack of an heir, God promises that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky.

God instructs Abraham to bring a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon. Abraham cuts the animals in two and arranges the halves opposite each other. As the sun sets, Abraham falls into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness comes over him. God then speaks to Abraham, foretelling the future enslavement and eventual liberation of his descendants.

A smoking firepot with a blazing torch appears and passes between the pieces of the animals. This act signifies the sealing of the covenant. God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit the land from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.

Significance

The Covenant of the pieces is one of the key covenants in the Bible, establishing the divine promise of the land to Abraham's descendants. It underscores the themes of faith, promise, and divine intervention that are central to the Abrahamic religions.

Theological Interpretations

Different theological interpretations exist regarding the Covenant of the pieces. In Judaism, it is seen as a foundational moment in the relationship between God and the Jewish people. In Christianity, it is often interpreted as a precursor to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Islam also recognizes Abraham (Ibrahim) as a prophet and the covenant as part of his legacy.

Related Covenants

The Covenant of the pieces is one of several covenants in the Bible, including the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, and the Davidic Covenant. Each of these covenants plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the Bible and the relationship between God and humanity.

See Also

• Abraham
• Book of Genesis
• Canaan
• Hebrew Bible
• Abrahamic religions
• Noahic Covenant
• Mosaic Covenant
• Davidic Covenant