Topical Bible: Treaty: Sacredness of

◄ Treaty: Sacredness of ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, treaties and covenants hold significant sacredness, reflecting the seriousness with which agreements were regarded in ancient times. The Bible presents treaties not merely as political or social contracts but as solemn commitments often made before God, invoking His witness and blessing.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of treaties, often highlighting their sacred nature. One of the earliest instances is the covenant between God and Noah, where God promises never to destroy the earth with a flood again, symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:11-17). This divine covenant sets a precedent for the sacredness of agreements, underscoring the expectation of faithfulness and integrity.

In Genesis 21:22-32, we see a treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar. Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant at Beersheba, with Abraham giving sheep and cattle to Abimelech as a witness to their agreement. This treaty is marked by an oath, emphasizing the solemnity and binding nature of their agreement.

The Israelites' covenant with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 further illustrates the sacredness of treaties. Despite being deceived by the Gibeonites, the Israelites honor their treaty because they swore an oath by the LORD, the God of Israel. Joshua 9:19 states, "We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them." This incident highlights the inviolability of oaths made in God's name, even when entered into under false pretenses.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on treaties, the principles of truthfulness and faithfulness in agreements are reinforced. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount emphasize the importance of integrity in one's word: "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil" (Matthew 5:37). This teaching underscores the expectation that one's commitments, whether formal treaties or simple promises, should be honored with sincerity and truthfulness.

Theological Implications

The sacredness of treaties in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is faithful and true. As image-bearers of God, humans are called to reflect His nature in their dealings with one another. The violation of a treaty is seen as a serious offense, not only against the other party but also against God, who is often invoked as a witness to the agreement.

The prophet Ezekiel condemns the breaking of treaties as a breach of faithfulness to God. In Ezekiel 17:18-19, God declares His judgment on Zedekiah for breaking his covenant with Babylon: "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." This passage highlights the divine expectation that treaties be honored, reflecting God's own faithfulness.

Conclusion

The sacredness of treaties in the Bible underscores the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and the fear of God in human relationships. Whether between individuals, nations, or between God and humanity, treaties are to be regarded with the utmost seriousness, reflecting the divine character and the moral order established by God.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 9:16-21
And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they dwelled among them.
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Joshua 2:8-21
And before they were laid down, she came up to them on the roof;
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Library

Genesis
... In establishing the covenant with Noah, emphasis is laid on the sacredness of blood ...
so conspicuous that a native prince is eager to make a treaty with him, xxi ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... prophets, passing from lip to lip, would thus have acquired peculiar sacredness. ...
when the two kingdoms appeared particularly strong by their treaty with each ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm