Scripture Study for

God’s solemn oath to give the land to which he has brought Abram to his descendants takes places within a covenant ceremony well known from ancient sources (see Jeremiah 34:17–20). Ordinarily,  each party to the covenant made his oath to the other while walking through the cut-up animals, which represent his fate if he violates the covenant. It is highly significant that here only God (represented by the smoking pot and flaming torch) makes the oath; the story emphasizes that Abram is fast asleep. This makes it clear that this is not an ordinary covenant in which each party takes on obligations toward the other. This is a gracious and unilateral gift from God to  Abram’s descendants. Abram’s sole responsibility here is to put his faith in God’s promises, which he does. 

Just before the present passage from Philippians, Paul has recounted his own movement from a pious Jew who was a zealous observer of the Law to one who had come to believe that righteousness came only from faith in Christ. He has accordingly given up his former way of life and has accepted suffering for the sake of Christ. He still strains toward the goal of perfect maturity, which is perfect conformity with  Christ (3:4–16). It is this striving that Paul would have his audience imitate, seeking always to overcome those desires and attitudes which make one an “enemy of the cross of Christ,” satisfying one’s selfish  pursuit of “earthly things.” These things will perish, but the heavenly promise remains forever for those who are willing to strive for it.

Immediately before the scene of his transfiguration, Jesus has warned his disciples of his own rejection and execution (and resurrection) and of their own need to deny themselves and take up their crosses daily (Luke 9:22–27). Transfiguration, which points to glorification, only comes after the cross. Mountains are classical sites of theophanies, and so it is no accident that Peter, James, and John see Christ transfigured on top of a mountain. Jesus is accompanied by Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the Prophets, the two means by which God’s will has been communicated to Israel up to this point. Now, however, God tells the disciples to listen to Jesus,  who as God’s Son faithfully carries on the work of the Law and the  Prophets, but in an even more authoritative and definitive way.