Unilateral Divine Covenant Symbolism in Ancient Near East

In the ancient Near Eastern world, covenant-making was often formalized through the cutting of animals, a solemn practice that involved dividing animals and walking between their carcasses. This ritual symbolized that if either party broke the covenant, they would suffer the same fate as the animals—bloodshed and death. Such an act was not merely symbolic but represented a grave commitment grounded in the sanctity of blood and life, underscoring the critical importance of integrity and faithfulness in these agreements ([29:55]).

Abram’s preparation of animals—cutting them in half and arranging the pieces—was a customary method to establish a covenant. By walking through the divided animal parts, a party solemnly promised that breaking the agreement would result in a fate akin to that of the animals. This cultural practice highlights the seriousness with which covenants were regarded, where blood and sacrifice served as central symbols of commitment and consequence ([29:55]).

The covenant between God and Abram, however, is distinct in its unilateral nature. Instead of Abram walking through the animals, God alone passes between the divided carcasses, represented by a smoking firepot and a flaming torch. This act signifies that the covenant is founded solely on God’s character and integrity, not on Abram’s actions or worthiness. It reveals that God’s promises are anchored in His faithfulness, trustworthiness, and unchanging nature ([34:06]). Abram’s absence from the passage through the animals indicates that the covenant depends entirely on God’s faithfulness, making it a one-sided promise that Abram cannot break.

This covenant also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, where God Himself enacts the covenant by passing through the broken body of His Son to establish a new, eternal agreement. This divine act of covenant-making for both parties emphasizes that the certainty of God’s promises rests solely on His character, not on human effort or obedience ([36:07]). The covenant guarantees blessings such as land and descendants to Abram, not because of Abram’s deeds, but because of God’s unwavering integrity.

Understanding the cultural practice of animal sacrifice deepens the comprehension of covenant-making, illustrating that God’s unilateral covenant with Abram is rooted in His faithfulness and character. This historical context affirms that God’s promises are certain and unbreakable, providing believers with confidence that God’s commitments are secure, founded not on human performance but on His unchanging nature.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Willow Ridge Church, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO