The miraculous event of the fire on Abraham's sacrifice is a significant moment in biblical history, illustrating God's covenantal relationship with Abraham and His divine intervention in the affairs of humanity. This event is recorded in Genesis 15, where God establishes His covenant with Abram (later named Abraham), promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan.

Biblical Account

In Genesis 15, God appears to Abram in a vision, reassuring him of His promises. Abram expresses concern about his childlessness, and God responds by taking him outside and showing him the stars, promising, "So shall your offspring be" (Genesis 15:5). Abram's faith is affirmed as "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

To formalize the covenant, God instructs Abram to prepare a sacrifice. Abram gathers specific animals: a heifer, a goat, a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon. He cuts the animals in two, arranging the halves opposite each other, but does not divide the birds (Genesis 15:9-10).

As the sun sets, Abram falls into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness comes over him. God speaks to Abram, revealing the future of his descendants, including their enslavement in a foreign land and eventual deliverance (Genesis 15:12-16).

The Miracle of the Fire

The miraculous element occurs as the sun sets and darkness falls. A smoking firepot with a blazing torch appears and passes between the pieces of the sacrifice. This supernatural fire represents God's presence and His commitment to the covenant. The passage states, "On 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'" (Genesis 15:18).

Theological Significance

The fire on Abraham's sacrifice is a profound demonstration of God's faithfulness and His willingness to bind Himself to His promises. The passing of the fire between the pieces signifies God's unilateral commitment to the covenant, emphasizing that its fulfillment depends solely on His divine will and power.

This event prefigures the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law and ultimately points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills God's promises to Abraham and his descendants. The fire symbolizes God's holiness, purity, and consuming presence, themes that resonate throughout Scripture.

Covenantal Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were often ratified through similar rituals, where both parties would pass between the divided animals, signifying their mutual agreement and the consequences of breaking the covenant. However, in this instance, only the divine presence, represented by the fire, passes through, highlighting God's sovereign grace and the unconditional nature of His promise to Abram.

Conclusion

The miracle of the fire on Abraham's sacrifice is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, underscoring God's covenantal faithfulness and His redemptive plan for humanity. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and His ultimate purpose to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.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.
Nave's Topical Index

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... evil thoughts, murders, and the sad catalogue of crimes ... him before Melchisedec, who
was above Abraham, and blessed ... When Israel saw the fire, the blackness and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... should not be afraid to make a catalogue of them ... to those who maintain the continuance
miracles or spiritual ... of Rahab, or the number of Abraham's followers, or ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... no, no says he, it is not of blood; think not to say you have Abraham to your ... I am
for certain informed that this our city will be burned with fire from Heaven ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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