I want to know…

The Lord spoke to Abram about a very great reward: a land that will be given for him to take into his possession. Abram voices his concern about only having a servant and no son to be his heir. So the Lord also promises him a son in whom his descendants would possess the land and all its abundance. The promise of a great inheritance that would come through a son was made and received by simply believing.

Although Abram believed God, he still asked how he could be sure that he would possess all God wanted to give. The Hebrew word used when Abram asks to “know” in Genesis 15:8 comes from the root word “yada.” Before Hebrew letters had print form, they were depicted with pictographs or pictograms that are still taught today. The pictographs that spell out “yada” give us rich insight into the meaning of what Abram wanted: a hand (yod), a door (dalet), and ends with the eye (ayin).

This “knowing” that Abram asked for is one where the felt experience opens the door to seeing and insight. He wasn’t doubting that God would fulfill His promise, but asking how that promise could become intimately understood and perceived in his heart so that he could take ownership of it.

The Lord’s response was: “Take” a heifer, goat, ram, dove, and pigeon. My NIV version says “Bring me…” but the Hebrew word used is laqach which means “to take.” This is an important distinction because God wasn’t asking Abram to bring or give Him anything, but to take hold of - to touch, handle, slaughter and arrange - the substance of the covenant God was making for him.

“For I desire steadfast love and
not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God
rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6, ESV

Rather than desiring an offering, God was delighting to give the knowledge Abram wanted. He provided, through this five-fold sacrifice, a tangible covenant so that the promise Abram already believed could be realized.