This land, from the river of AEgypt, &c.— The river of AEgypt cannot mean the Nile, but some river upon the border of AEgypt. Solomon is said to have reigned from the river (Euphrates) unto the border of AEgypt. See 1 Kings 4:21 where we shall speak more of this grant to Abram, and its completion.
REFLECTIONS.—God confirms the covenant by a visible sign, and particularly describes the bounds of the inheritance of Abram's posterity. We have,
1. The signs emblematical of the state of the people: a smoking furnace, alluding to their affliction; and a lamp of fire, to guide them through the smoke and darkness. Observe, Though the furnace of affliction be a dark and dreary state, there is light sown for the righteous; and they who are under divine guidance need not be cast down under the severest pressures.
2. The confirmation of the covenant, by the parting of the lamp between the slain beasts. Note; (1.) How great are God's condescensions, thus to humble himself to our weakness. (2.) There is no firm covenant with God for fallen man, without a sacrifice of atonement. Blessed be God for the Blood of the Lamb that was slain, in whom all the promises of God are yea and amen.