The Ram in Scripture (1)—The Promise Secured - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

He said to [Abram], Take Me a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon On the same day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram.
Genesis 15:9, 18 JND

The Ram in Scripture (1)—The Promise Secured
We would like to consider how and where the ram is spoken about in Scripture. The ram is a male sheep, which often has substantial horns. The ram speaks of strength, and the Hebrew word is sometimes translated "mighty."

All of the animals used for sacrifice mentioned in Scripture have something to teach us of Christ and His work. Today's passage, in which we find the first mention of the ram, shows us that Christ is "mighty to save." Here Abram had to bring a ram and the other animals at Jehovah's direction. Then Jehovah promised that He would give the land to him. Abram asks, "How shall I know that I shall possess it?" In answer to Abram's question, Jehovah makes a covenant with him. Through the ram and the other animals, the promise and covenant were secured to Abram. Notice that the three land animals were all to be three years old. This may speak of a complete witness on God's part, but it might also be a testimony to the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ not only died but rose from the dead on the third day.

We also see that Abram was asleep when Jehovah confirmed this covenant with him by passing between the pieces of the animals. In other words, it was an unconditional covenant and promise, not requiring anything on Abram's part.

In this first mention of the ram, we see, in the promise and covenant secured through the death of the ram, a picture of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. "For whatever promises of God there are, in Him is the Yea, and in Him the Amen, for glory to God by us" (2 Cor. 1:20). All is secured for God and for us through our beloved Savior, and His death and resurrection.

-- Kevin Quartell