I. Abram asks God that since he has no children would God’s promise be through one of his servant’s children. Genesis 15:1-6
A. If Abram died without any children to be an heir, then an adopted child would
be or the chief steward would be his heir.
B. Abram knew that somehow his seed would be as the stars of heaven, but how?
C. God assured Abram that he would have a child of his own.
D. God showed Abram the stars of heaven and said that Abram’s seed would be
as many as the stars.
E. Abram believed and it was counted to him for righteousness.
II. God gives Abram a sign about his promise. Genesis 15:7-17
A. God told Abram that He was the one who brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give him the land of Canaan.
B. God told Abram to make an offering.
1. A heifer, a she goat, and a ram, all of three years old.
2. A turtledove and a young pigeon.
3. All five animals are used many years later in the Levitical offerings.
Leviticus 1-7
a. Burnt Offering – all five animals – Leviticus 1:2-17, 6:8-13
1) Jesus our Burnt Offering – Ephesians 5:2;
Hebrews 9:14, 10:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
b. Peace Offering – a heifer, goat, and ram –
Leviticus 3:1-17, 7:11-21; 28-34
1) Jesus our Peace Offering – Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20
c. Sin Offering – a heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, and a young pigeon –
Leviticus 4:1-5:13, 6:24-30
1) Jesus our Sin Offering – 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24;
Hebrews 7:27-28, 13:11-13
d. Trespass Offering – a ram – Leviticus 5:14-6:7, 7:1-7
1) Jesus our Trespass Offering – Colossians 2:13-15
C. Abram divided the pieces of the heifer, goat, and ram.
D. Abram did not divide the turtledove or pigeon.
C. After sunset, a horror of great darkness fell upon Abram.
D. The prophecy of Israel’s bondage in Egypt for 400 years. Genesis 15:13-16
E. A smoking furnace and a burning lamp that passed between the pieces upon the altar were as a sign to Abram of God’s promise.
III. God’s covenant with Abram. Genesis 15:18-21
A. The land from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates would be given to Abram’s seed. (The word seed singular is used, not seeds plural) Galatians 3:16 “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
