Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, covenants are solemn agreements or promises between two parties, often involving commitments and obligations. These covenants are central to the narrative of the Bible, illustrating the relationship between God and humanity, as well as between individuals and groups within the biblical text.Divine Covenants 1. The Noahic Covenant: Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow. Genesis 9:11-13 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'" 2. The Abrahamic Covenant: God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars, land, and blessings. This covenant is foundational for the people of Israel. Genesis 17:7 records, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." 3. The Mosaic Covenant: Given at Mount Sinai, this covenant established the Law for the Israelites, including the Ten Commandments. It was conditional, requiring obedience to God's laws. Exodus 19:5 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine." 4. The Davidic Covenant: God promised David that his throne would be established forever, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 2 Samuel 7:16 declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." 5. The New Covenant: Prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, this covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God. Jeremiah 31:31-33 foretells, "The days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." Human Covenants 1. Covenants Between Individuals: The Bible also records covenants between people, such as the covenant between David and Jonathan, which was a pledge of friendship and loyalty. 1 Samuel 18:3 notes, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." 2. Marriage as a Covenant: Marriage is depicted as a covenantal relationship, reflecting the commitment and faithfulness expected between spouses. Malachi 2:14 emphasizes, "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." Theological Significance Covenants in the Bible are not merely contracts but are deeply relational, often initiated by God, and are marked by promises, signs, and sometimes conditions. They reveal God's faithfulness and His desire for a relationship with humanity. The concept of covenant underscores the narrative of redemption, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, which offers eternal life to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:28And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with you: and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you; Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 11:6 Library The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. The Priesthood of Christ Resources What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenants of God's Promises to Man Covenants of the Contract of Marriage Covenants of the United Determination of a People to Serve God Covenants: (With Death and Hell) Carnal Security Covenants: (With Stones and Beasts, of the Earth) Peace Covenants: Agreements Between Two Parties Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Conditions of Witnessed Covenants: Conditions of Written and Sealed Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: Designed For: Procuring Assistance in War Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Covenants: Designed For: Selling Land Covenants: Followed by a Feast Covenants: God often Called to Witness Covenants: Made by Passing Between the Pieces of the Divided Sacrifices Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands Covenants: Salt a Sign of Perpetuity In Covenants: The Jews: Condemned for Making, With Idolatrous Nations Covenants: The Jews: Forbidden to Make, With the Nations of Canaan Covenants: The Jews: Frequently Made With Other Nations Covenants: The Jews: Regarded, As Sacred Covenants: Violated by the Wicked Covenants: when Confirmed, Unalterable Related Terms |