As God makes the covenant with Abraham, Abraham falls into a deep sleep. He's not conscious for the actual covenant-making. God is making a one-way promise while Abraham sleeps.
There's something about grace in that - the covenant isn't dependent on Abraham's consciousness or effort. God is making a unilateral commitment. Abraham doesn't have to earn it or fully understand it. He gets to rest while it's established.
My understanding of grace shifted when I sat with this verse. I don't have to white-knuckle my way through faith. I can rest. The covenant holds while I sleep.
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