횃불 언약의 확증

(1) The smoking oven (tannȗr ʿāšān)

After having watched for the birds of prey driven them away when they came down upon the carcasses, Abraham waited tirelessly for the divine presence until the sun went down. At long last, the very first thing that finally appeared over the dedicated sacrifices was a smoking oven (Gen 15:17).

A smoking oven refers to the hot furnace used to melt and refine metal. This foreshadows the severe suffering that the Israelites would face in the future. Gold that passes through a hot furnace comes forth refined as pure gold (Job 23:10). The 400 long and dreary years in Egypt, like being in the “iron furnace of Egypt” (Deut 4:20; 1 Kgs 8:51; Jer 11:4), were the process of purification intended by God to refine the Israelites as pure gold.

It may have seemed torturous and difficult at the time, but herein lies God’s administration in the history of redemption: to cause Israel’s faith to mature through such trials of affliction (Jas 1:2-4), raise them into a “great nation” that trusts only in God (Gen 46:3), and establish them as the true possessors of the land of Canaan.

(2) The flaming torch (lappȋd ʾēš)

After the appearance of the smoking oven, a flaming torch passed between the two pieces of the sacrifice (Gen 15:17). The flaming torch blazing in the darkness after the sunset was a clear and undeniable confirmation. Such a vivid image of the brightly illumination flames of the torch consuming the surrounding darkness was a powerful assurance that God certainly would accomplish all that He had promised Abraham.

In the Bible, fire often is used to signify God’s glorious presence and His divine manifestation (Isa 10:17; 62:1). The pillar of fire during the wilderness journey was the fire of God’s presence in the midst of the Israelites (Exod 13:21). God often descended in fire (Exod 19:18; 20:18) and spoke from the midst of the fire (Deut 4:11-12. 15, 36; 5:23-24). The torch that appears in the covenant given to Abraham clearly represents the presence of God Himself. Hence, the flaming torch passing between the pieces of the sacrifice was none other than God Himself. This signifies that God will assume total responsibility for the covenant.

One important point to be noted here is that the smoking oven has the denotation of continuously smoking (ʿāšān), and the torch also signifies continuity (ʾēš).

This illustrates the living and active power at work (Heb 4:12), as well as God’s zeal that ceaselessly works to fulfill the salvation of His people (2 Kgs 19:31; Isa 9:7; Ezek 39:25; 2 cor 11:2). In Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary the word zeal is defined as “passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything.” and  “eagerness in favor of a person or cause.” God has continued the work of salvation through His zeal, which inspired the hearts of numerous men of faith such as Abraham throughout the generations.

The appearance of the smoking oven and the flaming torch provides three important lessons about the salvation of Abraham’s descendants who are under the covenant of Christ’s blood today.

First, it confirms that we certainly will experience the presence of the living God as long as we cast away our “birds of prey,” the forces of darkness, and persevere even though God’s answer may seem to be delayed.

Second, it shows that the flaming torch will brighten our dark night even when we undergo severe trials and fiery tests and feel as if we cannot see what is ahead because of the darkness surrounding the smoking furnace. We are guaranteed victory because God is ever-present and participates in our afflictions (Isa 63:9).

Third, the smoking furnace and the flaming torch will always complement each other and work together until the salvation of the saints is complete. Both are products of God’s providence founded upon His boundless love. The smoking furnace is a tool that tries us and refines us to perfect our salvation. The flaming torch is a symbol of God’s great consolation and His Immanuel love.