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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 15:17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/15-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_15_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 15:17 - God Confirms His Promise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between 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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/15.htm">New International Version</a> When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. <a href="/nlt/genesis/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. <a href="/esv/genesis/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. <a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. <a href="/kjv/genesis/15.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/15.htm">New King James Version</a> And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about, when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, a smoking oven and a flaming torch appeared which passed between these pieces. <a href="/nasb/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. <a href="/lsb/genesis/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened that the sun had set, and it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. <a href="/amp/genesis/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the sun had gone down and a [deep] darkness had come, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch which passed between the [divided] pieces [of the animals]. <a href="/csb/genesis/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the divided animals. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the divided animals. <a href="/asv/genesis/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch that passed between these pieces. <a href="/cev/genesis/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Sometime after sunset, when it was very dark, a smoking cooking pot and a flaming fire passed between the two halves of each animal. <a href="/erv/genesis/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch that passed between these pieces. <a href="/gwt/genesis/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The sun had gone down, and it was dark. Suddenly a smoking oven and a flaming torch passed between the animal pieces. <a href="/gnt/genesis/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch suddenly appeared and passed between the pieces of the animals. <a href="/isv/genesis/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the sun had fully set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a fiery torch passed between the animal pieces. <a href="/msb/genesis/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. <a href="/net/genesis/15.htm">NET Bible</a> When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking firepot with a flaming torch passed between the animal parts. <a href="/nheb/genesis/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, look, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. <a href="/wbt/genesis/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, that when the sun had gone down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. <a href="/web/genesis/15.htm">World English Bible</a> It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass—the sun has gone in, and thick darkness has been and behold, a furnace of smoke, and a lamp of fire, which has passed over between those pieces. <a href="/ylt/genesis/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass -- the sun hath gone in, and thick darkness hath been -- and lo, a furnace of smoke, and a lamp of fire, which hath passed over between those pieces. <a href="/slt/genesis/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the sun shall be going down, and it was thick darkness, and behold a furnace of smoke and a lamp of fire that passed over between these pieces.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when the sun was set, there arose a dark mist, and there appeared a smoking furnace and a lamp of fire passing between those divisions. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, when the sun had set, there came a dark mist, and there appeared a smoking furnace and a lamp of fire passing between those divisions. <a href="/nabre/genesis/15.htm">New American Bible</a> When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass that when the sun had set and it was dark, behold there appeared a smoking furnace and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the sun was setting; there was darkness and behold, a furnace that smoked and a lamp of fire that passed between these halves.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and there was thick darkness, behold a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch that passed between these pieces. <a href="/sep/genesis/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And when the sun was about to set, there was a flame, and behold a smoking furnace and lamps of fire, which passed between these divided pieces. <a href="/parallel/genesis/15-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3250" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">God Confirms His Promise</a> …16In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” 17<a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·še·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">When the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">had set</a> <a href="/hebrew/5939.htm" title="5939: wa·‘ă·lā·ṭāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Thick darkness. Feminine from an unused root meaning to cover; dusk.">and darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">had fallen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6227.htm" title="6227: ‘ā·šān (N-ms) -- Smoke. From ashan; smoke, literally or figuratively.">a smoking</a> <a href="/hebrew/8574.htm" title="8574: ṯan·nūr (N-csc) -- (portable) stove, firepot. From niyr; a fire-pot.">firepot</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">and a flaming</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3940.htm" title="3940: wə·lap·pîḏ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A torch. Or lappid; from an unused root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame.">torch</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">appeared and passed</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/1506.htm" title="1506: hag·gə·zā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Part. From gazar; something cut off; a portion.">the halves</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">of the carcasses.</a> 18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a> And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a> Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. <a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-38</a> Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11-12</a> You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. / And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22-24</a> The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. / And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, / and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. <a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">1 Kings 18:38</a> Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. <a href="/2_chronicles/7-1.htm">2 Chronicles 7:1-3</a> When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. / The priests were unable to enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled it. / When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” <a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Isaiah 4:5</a> Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, <a href="/isaiah/6-4.htm">Isaiah 6:4</a> At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Ezekiel 1:4</a> I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, <a href="/ezekiel/10-2.htm">Ezekiel 10:2</a> And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. <a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Daniel 3:25</a> “Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16-17</a> As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. / And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a> While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” <a href="/mark/9-7.htm">Mark 9:7</a> Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.smoking.<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2,3</a> And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed… <a href="/deuteronomy/4-20.htm">Deuteronomy 4:20</a> But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.<a href="/judges/6-21.htm">Judges 6:21</a> Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.a burning lamp.<a href="/2_samuel/22-9.htm">2 Samuel 22:9</a> There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.passed.<a href="/jeremiah/34-18.htm">Jeremiah 34:18,19</a> 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, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/genesis/15-11.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-23.htm">Firepot</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/revelation/9-2.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/revelation/22-5.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/luke/12-28.htm">Oven</a> <a href="/revelation/16-19.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/revelation/8-10.htm">Torch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/genesis/34-27.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/genesis/30-32.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/exodus/10-21.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/genesis/25-18.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-22.htm">Firepot</a> <a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/genesis/19-28.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/genesis/19-28.htm">Oven</a> <a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/exodus/16-33.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/genesis/19-23.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/genesis/18-8.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Torch</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 15</div>1. <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir.</a> 4. <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Abram is justified by faith.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/15-7.htm">Canaan is promised again, </a> 9. <a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">and confirmed by a sign, and a vision,</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When the sun had set and darkness had fallen This phrase sets the scene for a significant event in Abram's life. The setting of the sun and the onset of darkness symbolize a transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary, often marking moments of divine intervention in biblical narratives. Darkness can also represent the unknown or the mysterious, preparing the reader for a revelation from God. In the broader biblical context, darkness is sometimes associated with God's presence, as seen in <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a>, where Moses approaches the thick darkness where God was.behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared The smoking firepot and flaming torch are symbolic representations of God's presence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fire and smoke were common symbols of the divine, often used in covenant-making ceremonies. The imagery here is reminiscent of God's presence at Mount Sinai, where He appeared in fire and smoke (<a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>). The firepot and torch signify God's holiness, purity, and guidance. This theophany underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the covenant being established with Abram.and passed between the halves of the carcasses This action is part of an ancient covenant ritual known as a "covenant cutting," where animals were split in half, and the parties involved would walk between the pieces. This act signified a binding agreement, with the implication that breaking the covenant would result in a fate similar to that of the animals. In this context, God alone passes between the halves, indicating that He is unilaterally committing to the promises made to Abram. This foreshadows the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, where God takes the initiative to fulfill His promises to humanity. The imagery of sacrifice and covenant here points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who establishes a new and everlasting covenant through His death and resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram (Abraham)</a> The central figure in this passage, Abram is the recipient of God's covenant. He is later renamed Abraham and is considered the father of faith. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The initiator of the covenant with Abram, symbolized by the smoking firepot and flaming torch. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_smoking_firepot_and_flaming_torch.htm">The Smoking Firepot and Flaming Torch</a> These are symbolic representations of God's presence and His covenant with Abram. The imagery is significant in ancient Near Eastern covenant rituals. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_covenant_ceremony.htm">The Covenant Ceremony</a> This event involves the cutting of animals and the passing between the pieces, a traditional method of covenant-making in the ancient Near East. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_canaan.htm">The Land of Canaan</a> The geographical context of the covenant, which God promises to Abram and his descendants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> The passage underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He passed between the pieces, God binds Himself to His word. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_god's_presence.htm">Symbolism of God's Presence</a> The smoking firepot and flaming torch symbolize God's presence and holiness. In our lives, we can trust that God is present and active, even when we cannot see Him. <a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a> The covenant with Abram is a precursor to the New Covenant through Christ. Believers are called to live in a covenant relationship with God, marked by faith and obedience. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> Abram had to wait for the fulfillment of God's promises. Similarly, we are called to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, even when the fulfillment seems distant.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 15</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_candles.htm">What does the Bible say about candles for the dead?</a> <a href="/q/why_require_animal_sacrifice_in_genesis_15.htm">Why would a loving God require a covenant ritual involving the killing of animals in Genesis 15:9–10? </a> <a href="/q/can_they_hear_without_a_preacher.htm">Is blood thicker than water in covenant relationships?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_records_of_this_covenant's_breach.htm">Jeremiah 34:18–20 – If ancient covenant rituals had such dire consequences, why is there little to no concrete historical record of this specific covenant’s breach and punishment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) A smoking furnace.--The word really means the circular firepot which Orientals use in their houses to sit round for purposes of warmth. This one was wreathed in smoke, out of which shot "a burning lamp" (Heb., a torch of flame). For not two symbols, but only one, passed between the divided carcases. Abram had probably passed between them immediately after arranging them, and now Jehovah does the same. Fire is the recognised symbol of the Deity, as in the burning bush, the pillar of fire, the lightnings on Mount Sinai, &c.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, - literally, and it was (i.e. this took place), the sun went down; less accurately, ἐπεὶ δὲ ὁ ἤλιιος ἐγένετο πρὸς δυσμὰς (LXX.), which was the state of matters in Ver. 12. Here the sun, which was then setting, is described as having set - and it was dark, - literally, and darkness was, i.e. a darkness that might be felt, as in Ver. 12; certainly not φλὸξ ἐγένετο (LXX.), as if there were another flame besides the one specified in the description - behold a smoking furnace, - the תַּנּוּר, or Oriental furnace, had the form of a cylindrical fire-pot (cf. Gesenius, p. 869; Keil in loco) - and a burning lamp - a lamp of fire, or fiery torch, emerging from the smoking stove: an emblem of the Divine presence (cf. <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>) - that passed between those pieces - in ratification of the covenant. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/15-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the sun הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ (haš·še·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement had set בָּ֔אָה (bā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go and darkness וַעֲלָטָ֖ה (wa·‘ă·lā·ṭāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5939.htm">Strong's 5939: </a> Thick darkness had fallen, וַיְהִ֤י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be behold, וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! a smoking עָשָׁן֙ (‘ā·šān) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6227.htm">Strong's 6227: </a> Smoke firepot תַנּ֤וּר (ṯan·nūr) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8574.htm">Strong's 8574: </a> (portable) stove, firepot and a flaming אֵ֔שׁ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire torch וְלַפִּ֣יד (wə·lap·pîḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3940.htm">Strong's 3940: </a> A flambeau, lamp, flame appeared and passed עָבַ֔ר (‘ā·ḇar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on between בֵּ֖ין (bên) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between the halves הַגְּזָרִ֥ים (hag·gə·zā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1506.htm">Strong's 1506: </a> Something cut off, a portion [of the carcasses]. הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">OT Law: Genesis 15:17 It came to pass that when (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/15-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 15:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 15:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>