June 2

Introduction

Genesis 15:1–21: God initiates a covenant with Abram by means of an ancient ritual. Land and descendants are promised to Abram, and the Egyptian oppression and enslavement of Abram’s descendants is foretold.

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 15:6

Abram put his trust in the LORD, and because of this the LORD was pleased with him and accepted him.

Reflect

Today’s reading describes an ancient covenant ritual in which animals were cut in two. The covenanting parties walked between these parts to signify that if either of them violated the covenant they would suffer the same fate as the animals (see Jeremiah 34:8–20). But as God uses this ritual with Abram, only God (as indicated by a smoking fire pot and flaming torch) passes between the pieces. The ritual thus takes on the form of a royal grant, in which a king rewards a loyal vassal with land. How is this demonstrated in God’s covenant with Abram? In the promises made to Abram, today’s reading reflects a three-part pattern—God’s promise, Abram’s protest or questioning, and God’s reassurance. See if you can identify this three-part pattern in verses 1–6 and again in verses 7–21.

Pray

God of promise, I place my trust in you. In faith, I know you have accepted me and blessed me with your everlasting love. Guide me by your word. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 16:1–16: Hagar bears Abram a son.