He took and divided, &c.— We have here the first and most ancient account of the manner by which many nations of the world entered into and ratified their covenants. It is alluded to again in Jeremiah 34:18-19. The method was to divide the victims, and lay the parts divided asunder, when the covenanting parties passed between them, and used some expressions perhaps to this purpose: "Thus let me be divided and cut in pieces, if I violate the oath or break the covenant into which I now enter." God condescended to ratify his covenant in that manner with Abram; who, by the divine command, prepared and divided the victims, except the birds, which were not divided; as neither were they under the law; see Leviticus 1:17 but, as we conceive, he laid them upon the divided parts of the victims: for this seems to be the sense of the following verse.
Leviticus 1:11. And when the fowls came down, &c.— This verse gives us an account of what Abram did with the birds for sacrifice, the turtle-dove and pigeon; concerning which we otherwise hear nothing. And it may be rendered; and Abram caused to descend a bird upon the carcases [one upon each]; and placed, or fixed it upon them: that is, "he laid a bird upon each of the divisions of the victims." This translation is justified by some of the most learned critics, and, I believe, is the best. If however this interpretation should not be admitted, let it be remarked, that the greatest part of the expositors have supposed, that the descent of carnivorous birds upon the carcases (which they suppose the text expresses) signifies the rapacity and cruelty wherewith Pharaoh and the AEgyptians treated the Israelites.
REFLECTIONS.—As the seed is promised to Abram, the land is added moreover. If Christ be ours, heaven is ours. We have in the foregoing verses,
1. A remembrance of mercies already conferred on Abram; I brought thee out of that idolatrous land of thy nativity, as a brand snatched from the burning. And here is a promise of more; I brought thee hither to inherit this: thine it shall be; I am able to subdue all thine enemies, and I will fulfil my promises. Observe, (1.) Past mercies are usually the earnest of greater. (2.) Salvation is the crowning mercy.
2. Abram's desire of some sign, for the more assured confirmation of his faith. Learn, (1.) The strongest believer has need to pray, Lord, increase my faith. We have need to make use of all means for the further confirmation of our hearts in the Divine promises. (2.) The best must be presented to God: negligent prayers and inattentive hearing, is like bringing the lame and the blind for a sacrifice.