In the biblical narrative, covenants are solemn agreements between God and humanity, often accompanied by specific conditions and confirmed by oaths. These covenants serve as foundational elements in the relationship between the divine and the human, establishing promises and obligations that are binding and sacred.

Old Testament Covenants

1. The Abrahamic Covenant: One of the most significant covenants in the Old Testament is the covenant God made with Abraham. This covenant included promises of land, descendants, and blessings. In Genesis 15:18 , it is recorded, "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.'" The covenant was confirmed by a divine oath, as seen in Genesis 22:16-17 , where God swears by Himself, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you."

2. The Mosaic Covenant: This covenant, given at Mount Sinai, established the Law for the Israelites. It was conditional, requiring obedience to God's commandments. In Exodus 24:7-8 , the people 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.' So Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, 'This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.'"

3. The Davidic Covenant: God's promise to David ensured that his lineage would endure forever, culminating in the Messiah. In 2 Samuel 7:16 , God declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." This covenant was also confirmed by an oath, as reflected in Psalm 89:3-4 : "You said, 'I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.'"

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment and culmination of the Old Testament covenants. This covenant is characterized by the promise of eternal life and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for those who believe in Christ.

1. The New Covenant: Instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper, this covenant is sealed by His sacrificial death. In Luke 22:20 , Jesus states, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." The New Covenant is unconditional, based on faith in Christ rather than adherence to the Law.

2. The Oath of God: The New Covenant is also confirmed by God's oath, emphasizing its unchangeable nature. Hebrews 6:17-18 explains, "So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged."

Significance of Oaths in Covenants

Oaths in biblical covenants serve as divine guarantees, underscoring the seriousness and reliability of God's promises. They reflect God's unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfill His word. The use of oaths in covenants highlights the gravity of these agreements and the assurance that God will accomplish what He has promised.Genesis 21:23,31
Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land wherein you have sojourned.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:31
And they rose up betimes in the morning, and swore one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Priesthood of Christ
... Christ, our High Priest, accepted of these conditions, and permitted ... an oath, yet
as he had conformed to the ... which he makes, and all the covenants into which ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... 1647.' The spelling and punctuation are conformed to modern ... thing in the creature,
as conditions, or causes ... There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

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