Genesis 15:10

KJV

And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} unto him all these, and divided {H1334} them in the midst {H8432}, and laid {H5414} each {H376} piece {H1335} one against {H7125} another {H7453}: but the birds {H6833} divided {H1334} he not.

Complete Jewish Bible

He brought him all these, cut the animals in two and placed the pieces opposite each other; but he didn't cut the birds in half.

Berean Standard Bible

So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half.

American Standard Version

And he took him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each half over against the other: but the birds divided he not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 15:10 meticulously describes Abraham's precise actions in preparing the animals for a divinely commanded covenant ceremony. He takes the specified larger animals, divides them in half, and arranges the pieces opposite each other, while notably leaving the birds undivided. This act of careful obedience sets the physical stage for God's subsequent, unilateral ratification of His covenant promises concerning Abraham's countless descendants and the inheritance of the land, underscoring the profound gravity and unconditional nature of the divine commitment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the pivotal narrative of [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "The Covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15"), a chapter that marks a significant formalization of God's covenant promises to Abraham. The preceding verses establish a dialogue where God reassures a childless and landless Abraham, promising him an innumerable progeny ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Descendants")) and the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:7](/genesis/15-7 "God's Promise of the Land")). When Abraham, in a moment of human doubt or desire for assurance, asks, "How can I know that I will gain possession of it?" ([Genesis 15:8](/genesis/15-8 "Abraham's Question to God")), God responds by instructing him to prepare specific animals for a covenant ritual: a three-year-old heifer, a she-goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon ([Genesis 15:9](/genesis/15-9 "God's Instruction for Covenant Animals")). Genesis 15:10 details Abraham's immediate and precise execution of these instructions, thus creating the physical framework for the extraordinary covenant ratification that follows, where God alone passes through the divided pieces ([Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "God Passes Through the Pieces")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ritual described in [Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Abraham Prepares the Covenant Animals") reflects a common and deeply significant practice in the ancient Near East for solemnizing treaties and covenants. Such ceremonies, often referred to as "cutting a covenant" (Hebrew: *karat berit*), involved the division of animals, between which the covenanting parties would pass. This act served as a self-maledictory oath, symbolizing that if either party violated the terms of the agreement, they would suffer the same fate as the divided animals—death and dismemberment. This ritual underscored the extreme gravity and binding nature of the agreement. Abraham, living in this cultural milieu, would have understood the profound implications of such a ceremony, recognizing it as the most serious form of contractual agreement. The inclusion of specific animals (heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, pigeon) also aligns with common sacrificial practices of the time, though their specific combination here is for a covenant-making purpose.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Abraham Prepares the Covenant Animals") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **solemnity and binding nature of divine covenants**, emphasizing that God's promises are not made lightly but are established with utmost seriousness and divine guarantee. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine initiative and unconditional grace**; while Abraham prepares the way, it is God alone who ultimately passes through the pieces ([Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "God Passes Through the Pieces")), signifying that the covenant's fulfillment rests entirely on God's faithfulness and power, not on human merit or performance. Thirdly, Abraham's immediate and meticulous obedience to God's specific, even unusual, instructions ([Genesis 15:9](/genesis/15-9 "God's Instruction for Covenant Animals")) serves as a powerful example of **faith and obedience**, demonstrating a posture of trust and submission that precedes and enables God's mighty acts. Finally, the imagery of divided animals and implied blood sacrifice foreshadows the necessity of **blood in covenant ratification**, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Abraham Prepares the Covenant Animals") recounts Abraham's faithful execution of God's command to prepare the animals for the covenant ceremony. His actions are precise and deliberate, reflecting his trust and obedience to the divine instruction.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Hebrew, _bâthar'_ H1334):** A primitive root meaning "to chop up" or "to divide." This word is crucial as it describes the central action of the covenant ritual. The act of *bâthar*—cutting the animals into two halves—was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for solemnizing treaties, symbolizing the severe consequences (death) for breaking the agreement. Its use here emphasizes the gravity and binding nature of the covenant being established.
* **piece (Hebrew, _bether'_ H1335):** Derived from *bâthar*, this noun means "a section" or "part." It refers to the halves of the divided animals. The phrase "laid each piece one against another" indicates the precise arrangement of these severed parts, forming a pathway or aisle through which the covenanting parties would pass, further emphasizing the ritualistic and symbolic nature of the ceremony.
* **birds (Hebrew, _tsippôwr'_ H6833):** This word refers to "a little bird" or "fowl," encompassing species like turtledoves and pigeons, which were specified in [Genesis 15:9](/genesis/15-9 "God's Instruction for Covenant Animals"). The significant detail in [Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Abraham Prepares the Covenant Animals") is that Abraham "divided he not" the birds. This distinction highlights a specific requirement of the ritual, possibly due to their smaller size making them unsuitable for walking between, or perhaps indicating a different symbolic function (e.g., as a complete offering, as seen in purification rites like [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Bird Offering for Purification")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took unto him all these":** This clause signifies Abraham's immediate and complete obedience to God's command in [Genesis 15:9](/genesis/15-9 "God's Instruction for Covenant Animals"). "All these" refers to the specific animals God had instructed him to gather: a three-year-old heifer, a she-goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Abraham's action demonstrates his readiness to participate in the solemn ritual God had prescribed.
* **"and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another":** This describes the core action of the covenant ritual for the larger animals (heifer, she-goat, ram). "Divided them in the midst" means cutting each animal into two halves. "Laid each piece one against another" indicates that the two halves of each animal were placed opposite each other, creating a path or aisle. This was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for covenant ratification, where parties would walk between the divided pieces, implicitly invoking a curse upon themselves if they broke the covenant.
* **"but the birds divided he not":** This is a crucial distinction. While the larger animals were divided, the smaller birds (turtledove and young pigeon) were left whole. This detail is significant, as it suggests a specific nuance in the ritual's requirements. Interpretations vary, but it likely indicates that the birds, perhaps due to their size or their typical use in other types of offerings (e.g., purification), were not meant to be walked between in the same manner as the larger animals, but rather presented as a complete offering.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** of the verb "divided" (H1334, *bâthar*) emphasizes the central, ritualistic action of the covenant ceremony, drawing attention to its importance and the specific nature of the preparation. The explicit **contrast** between the division of the larger animals and the non-division of the birds highlights a precise detail of the divine instruction, inviting the reader to consider its symbolic or practical significance within the ritual. This detail also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting that the covenant to be made will not be a typical bilateral agreement, as the subsequent narrative reveals that only God passes through the pieces ([Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "God Passes Through the Pieces")). The entire scene is rich in **symbolism**, with the divided animals representing the dire consequences of covenant breach, and Abraham's meticulous obedience underscoring the human posture of faith in response to divine command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 15:10, as the preparatory act for God's covenant with Abraham, underscores the profound solemnity and binding nature of divine promises. The ritual of "cutting a covenant" with divided animals was a culturally recognized symbol of life-and-death commitment, emphasizing that God's word is not given lightly but is an unbreakable guarantee. Abraham's obedience in preparing the animals, though a human act, serves to highlight the subsequent divine initiative: it is God alone who passes through the pieces, signifying that this covenant is unilateral and unconditional, resting entirely on God's character and faithfulness rather than on human performance. This foundational event establishes a pattern for God's covenant relationship with humanity, rooted in His sovereign grace and unfailing commitment.

* [Jeremiah 34:18-20](/jeremiah/34-18-20 "Covenant Breach and Consequences") - Illustrates the ancient covenant-cutting ritual and the severe judgment for breaking such an oath, providing a parallel to the imagery in Genesis 15.
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "God's Unchangeable Promise") - Explains how God, having no one greater by whom to swear, swore by Himself, providing an "unchangeable character of His purpose" and two unchangeable things (His promise and His oath) to guarantee His covenant, echoing the unilateral nature seen in Genesis 15.
* [Galatians 3:15-18](/galatians/3-15-18 "The Law and the Promise") - Argues that God's covenant with Abraham was a promise, unilaterally given and not dependent on the law, which came 430 years later, reinforcing the unconditional nature of the Genesis 15 covenant.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 15:10 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's promises are utterly dependable, established through solemn and unbreakable divine commitment. Abraham's meticulous obedience in preparing the animals, even the seemingly small detail of not dividing the birds, serves as a powerful example of how our faith should translate into action. Our faithful response to God's commands, even when the purpose is not immediately clear, often precedes and positions us for deeper revelations of His character and plans. This passage encourages us to trust implicitly in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is the one who initiates, guarantees, and fulfills His covenant promises, not based on our performance, but on His sovereign grace. It calls us to a posture of readiness and obedience, preparing our hearts and lives to receive and participate in God's greater works, confident that His covenants are eternally secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's meticulous obedience in preparing the animals, even the seemingly minor details, challenge or affirm your own approach to obedience in your walk with God?**
* **Considering that God alone passed through the divided pieces, how does this passage deepen your understanding of God's unilateral grace and the unconditional nature of His promises to you?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "prepare the way" through an act of faith or obedience, even if the full outcome is not yet clear?**

### FAQ
**Why were the animals divided in the covenant ceremony?**

Answer: The division of animals was an ancient Near Eastern practice for solemnizing treaties and covenants. It symbolized the severe consequences, often death, that would befall either party if they broke the agreement. The parties would typically walk between the divided pieces, implicitly invoking a curse upon themselves if they violated the covenant terms. This ritual underscored the gravity and binding nature of the agreement, as seen in [Jeremiah 34:18-20](/jeremiah/34-18-20 "Covenant Breach and Consequences").

**Why were the birds not divided like the other animals?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the reason, but it likely relates to the specific requirements of the covenant ritual. Larger animals were typically cut for the "passing through" ceremony, providing substantial halves for the participants. Birds, such as the turtledove and young pigeon, were often used in purification rites or as offerings for the poor (e.g., [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Bird Offering for Purification")), but not typically cut in half for covenant-making in the same manner as larger livestock. Their inclusion in the list of animals, yet their exemption from division, may indicate their role as a complete offering or simply a distinction in the ritual's precise requirements for different animal types.

**What does the Hebrew phrase "to cut a covenant" mean?**

Answer: The Hebrew idiom "to cut a covenant" (*karat berit*) directly refers to the ancient practice of cutting animals in half during the solemnization of an agreement. This phrase emphasizes the gravity and binding nature of the covenant, often implying that the shedding of blood was integral to its establishment and that severe consequences would follow its breach. In [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "The Covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15"), this phrase is vividly enacted, highlighting the solemnity of God's promise to Abraham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 15:10](/genesis/15-10 "Abraham Prepares the Covenant Animals") and the subsequent covenant ratification find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "cutting" of the covenant, with its implicit shedding of blood and the walking between the pieces, powerfully prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Just as God alone, represented by the "smoking furnace, and a burning lamp" ([Genesis 15:17](/genesis/15-17 "God Passes Through the Pieces")), passed between the divided pieces, demonstrating His unilateral and unconditional commitment, so too is the New Covenant an act of God's sovereign grace, secured solely by Christ's finished work on the cross. His blood, shed as the perfect and final sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), is the ultimate "cutting" that ratifies God's promises, providing eternal redemption and guaranteeing salvation for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "One Sacrifice for All Time")). This New Covenant, unlike the old, rests entirely on Christ's faithfulness and not on human merit or ability to keep the law, echoing the unilateral nature of the Abrahamic covenant and offering a secure hope found only in Him ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "A Superior Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Jeremiah 34:18

And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof,

Jeremiah 34:19

The princes of Judah, and the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, and the priests, and all the people of the land, which passed between the parts of the calf;

Genesis 15:17

¶ And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.