Genesis 15:9

And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

And he said {H559} unto him, Take {H3947} me an heifer {H5697} of three years old {H8027}, and a she goat {H5795} of three years old {H8027}, and a ram {H352} of three years old {H8027}, and a turtledove {H8449}, and a young pigeon {H1469}.

He answered him, "Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove and a young pigeon."

And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”

And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.

Commentary

Genesis 15:9 records God's specific instructions to Abram concerning the animals needed for a profound covenant-making ceremony. This pivotal moment follows God's reaffirmation of His promises to Abram regarding his descendants and land.

Context of Genesis 15:9

This verse is part of a crucial chapter where God formally establishes His covenant with Abram, later known as Abraham. After Abram expresses concern about not having an heir, God takes him outside and promises him an innumerable offspring, like the stars of the sky (Genesis 15:5). Abram's belief in this promise is credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). To solidify this divine assurance, God then commands Abram to prepare these specific animals, initiating a ritual that would confirm the Abrahamic Covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Confirmation: The primary theme is the formal establishment of a binding agreement between God and Abram. The animals listed were essential components of an ancient Near Eastern covenant ritual, often referred to as a "covenant of cutting" (Hebrew: berith karat).
  • Divine Specificity and Sovereignty: God provides precise instructions on the types and ages of animals, underscoring His authority and the sacredness of the impending ceremony. This detail highlights that the covenant is initiated and defined by God.
  • Foreshadowing of Sacrifice: The animals—a heifer, a she-goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon—were all common animals used in later sacrificial systems under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 1:2-3). This scene thus prefigures the importance of sacrifice in God's plan for redemption, ultimately pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
  • God's Initiative and Faithfulness: God takes the initiative to confirm His promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word. This act reinforces that God is faithful to His covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "Take me" (lakach li) is an imperative, a direct command from God, signifying the seriousness and necessity of the act. The age "three years old" specified for the larger animals (heifer, she-goat, ram) may indicate maturity, prime sacrificial age, or perhaps symbolic completeness. The inclusion of the turtledove and young pigeon, often used as offerings by those who could not afford larger animals in later Mosaic law (Leviticus 5:7), suggests a comprehensive representation of sacrificial animals.

Practical Application

Genesis 15:9 reminds us that God's promises are not vague but are rooted in His character and often confirmed through specific, tangible actions. For believers today, this passage underscores:

  • The Seriousness of God's Covenants: God takes His promises and agreements with humanity very seriously, and He expects us to do the same.
  • The Nature of Faith: Abram's faith, which was counted as righteousness, was followed by obedience to God's detailed instructions, even when the full picture was not yet clear.
  • The Foundation of Redemption: This ancient covenant ritual, involving the shedding of blood, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate covenant sealed by the blood of Christ, through whom we receive forgiveness and eternal life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 14:22 (4 votes)

    And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

  • Leviticus 14:30 (4 votes)

    And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

  • Luke 2:24 (4 votes)

    And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

  • Leviticus 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 3:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD [be] of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

  • Leviticus 9:2 (3 votes)

    And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer [them] before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 1:14 (3 votes)

    And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD [be] of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.