I researched this unusual vision of the cut up animals and the passing through of the torch and the smoke. It was really fascinating! This type of ritual as a legally binding covenant was fairly common long ago. Apparently, two fathers who were marrying son/daughter to each other's son/daughter, would walk through this blood that puddled up between the halves of the animals to show that THEY would be responsible for the integrity of their son/daughter. It was a promise between families. Not sure how this would go down.... but if the son turned about to be a schmuck.... the son's father would have a severe penalty (in one article - stated even DEATH.) In this context, the Lord 'walked' through the blood - Abram didn't need to. This was a one-sided promise and seal from God to Abram saying that his promise is solid and guaranteed. Super interesting!! I'm not a fan of the imagery though... icky.
I researched this unusual vision of the cut up animals and the passing through of the torch and the smoke. It was really fascinating! This type of ritual as a legally binding covenant was fairly common long ago. Apparently, two fathers who were marrying son/daughter to each other's son/daughter, would walk through this blood that puddled up between the halves of the animals to show that THEY would be responsible for the integrity of their son/daughter. It was a promise between families. Not sure how this would go down.... but if the son turned about to be a schmuck.... the son's father would have a severe penalty (in one article - stated even DEATH.) In this context, the Lord 'walked' through the blood - Abram didn't need to. This was a one-sided promise and seal from God to Abram saying that his promise is solid and guaranteed. Super interesting!! I'm not a fan of the imagery though... icky.