Genesis 15

God appears to Abram in a vision, reassuring him that He is Abram’s shield and great reward. When Abram expresses doubt about having an heir, God promises him a son and assures him that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abram believes God, and it is credited to him as righteousness (a foundational verse of faith). God then establishes the covenant through a dramatic smoking fire pot and flaming torch passing between the pieces of sacrificed animals, formally swearing to give the land to Abram’s descendants.