Topical Bible: Contracts: Scriptures Illustrative of the Binding Force of

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Contracts, covenants, and agreements are integral to the biblical narrative, illustrating the binding force of promises and commitments made between individuals and between God and humanity. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the seriousness and sanctity of such agreements.

Old Testament Examples:

1. Covenant with Abraham: In Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is marked by a solemn ceremony, emphasizing its binding nature. Genesis 15:18 states, "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'"

2. Mosaic Covenant: The covenant at Sinai, where God gives the Law to Moses, is another profound example. In Exodus 24:7 , the people of Israel affirm their commitment: "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, 'All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.'"

3. David and Jonathan: The friendship between David and Jonathan is marked by a covenant, illustrating personal agreements. 1 Samuel 18:3 notes, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself."

New Testament Teachings:

1. Jesus on Oaths: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in commitments. Matthew 5:37 instructs, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one."

2. Paul on Agreements: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to the importance of keeping one's word. In Galatians 3:15 , he uses human covenants to illustrate a point about God's promises: "Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended."

Principles of Binding Agreements:

1. Faithfulness and Integrity: The Bible consistently teaches that faithfulness and integrity are essential in honoring contracts. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them."

2. Consequences of Breaking Covenants: The Scriptures also warn of the consequences of breaking agreements. In Ezekiel 17:18-19 , God speaks against Zedekiah for breaking his covenant: "He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Because he had given his hand in pledge and yet did all these things, he shall not escape."

3. God’s Faithfulness as a Model: The ultimate model of faithfulness in agreements is God Himself. Deuteronomy 7:9 declares, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

The biblical perspective on contracts and covenants underscores the importance of commitment, truthfulness, and the moral obligation to uphold one's promises, reflecting the character of God in human relationships.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 21:2-6
If you buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
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Leviticus 6:1,2,4-7
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Joshua 9:3-9,15,16,18-27
And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
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Matthew 20:1-16
For the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
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Galatians 3:15
Brothers, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man cancels, or adds thereto.
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Library

Chapter xxxi
... in colouring as the new contracts made necessary ... delusion and yet reported in the
Scriptures, would be ... such material could be used for illustrative purposes in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... And we call the Son like the Father, as the Holy Scriptures call Him ... secure in his
possessions; written evidences of indebtedness lost their force; no creditor ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... is evidently the result of long and earnest study of the holy scriptures. ... His simple
but illustrative commentary"his book of Antichrist"his solemn and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm