Did you know that the covenant cut between God and Abraham is the basis for Christ dying on the cross? Allow me to explain ...

In ancient days, the most serious contracts were “cut” with a “blood covenant.” In such a situation, the parties would cut animals in half, placing their bodies on each side of an aisle.

In this mutual contract, each party would meet in the middle of this aisle bordered by slain animals. For each party, this symbolized “may I be torn apart like these animals should I fail my obligation.”

If the contract were between two people who were not equals, the lesser party would walk all the way down the aisle meeting the greater party at the other end, symbolizing “may I be sacrificed like these animals, should I fail my obligation.”

These were called “blood covenants,” using the blood of the slain animals to symbolize the seriousness of the vow.

Now consider God’s covenant with Abraham.

In Genesis 15:9, God commanded Abraham to create the aisle of slain animals, “a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.”

Obviously, God is the greater party in this contract. However, instead of making Abraham walk through the aisle, the Lord, in the form of a smoking firepot with a blazing torch, appeared and passed between the pieces, meeting Abraham at the other end.

Effectively, God was committing that, Even if YOU, Abraham, fail, I will bear the punishment, being torn to pieces.

Approximately 2,000 years later, Jesus Christ’s body was torn apart and hung on a cross to die for our transgressions and failures. God fulfilled His blood covenant with Abraham via Christ, His son.

Many things in the Old Testament, like the seemingly odd and gory Abrahamic covenant, don’t make sense unless one understands ancient Israel or Judaic practices.

But when one understands the history, our understanding of the Bible and our own faith is deeper and richer than ever before.

That’s one of the big reasons Christians in Defense of Israel exists — to help people better understand the foundations of their faith.

I am so thankful for your love and support for this precious ministry. Please help us continue this good work by making a generous donation today.

May the JOY of our Risen Savior be with you not just today and Easter Sunday, but all throughout your days. God bless you!

Mat Staver
Chairman
Christians in Defense of Israel

P.S. Deepen YOUR understanding & faith with us in Israel this Fall! Join me on a profoundly moving tour of the Holy Land this October on a trip designed for people of all ages. Walk where our Savior walked, get baptized in the Jordan River, and discover the wonders of the Holy Land at harvest time.

Our specially curated itinerary will make your experience an unforgettable one, bringing the Bible to life and strengthening your Christian faith. HURRY — only a few seats remain! Learn more at cjtravel.org/grouptour-Israel.