Genesis/Abram

Gen 13: continued story of Abram: he and Lot part ways
Gen 14: continued story of Abram: he rescues Lot
Gen 15: continued story of Abram: God makes a contract (covenant) w/ Abram
Gen 16: continued story of Abram: Hagar and birth of Ishmael

The splitting of the animals in Gen 15 was a covenant ritual when one was made between two people in a human 'contract'. Interesting how God uses an earthly ritual to show Abram how He will fulfill His promise. I can't help but jump to the modern day possibilities.