Topical Bible: Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, covenants serve as a foundational element for establishing and maintaining relationships, both divine and human. The concept of covenant is deeply embedded in the fabric of Scripture, illustrating the commitment and fidelity expected in friendships and alliances. Covenants are solemn agreements that often involve promises, obligations, and sometimes signs or symbols to signify the bond.

Divine-Human Covenants

The Bible presents several covenants initiated by God to establish a relationship with humanity. These covenants are not merely legal contracts but are designed to foster a deep, personal relationship akin to friendship.

1. The Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. This covenant, marked by the sign of the rainbow, reflects God's desire to maintain a relationship with humanity and all living creatures (Genesis 9:12-17).

2. The Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham is a profound example of a divine-human friendship. God promised Abraham land, descendants, and blessings, establishing a relationship that would extend to all nations through him (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:18-21). This covenant underscores God's commitment to Abraham and his offspring, highlighting a bond of friendship and faithfulness.

3. The Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God gave the Law to Israel, forming a covenant that would guide their relationship with Him. This covenant was designed to set Israel apart as God's chosen people, fostering a community that would live in accordance with His will (Exodus 19:5-6).

4. The New Covenant: Prophesied in Jeremiah and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant establishes a new relationship between God and humanity. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are invited into a personal and transformative friendship with God, characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:20).

Human-Human Covenants

Covenants between individuals in the Bible also illustrate the establishment of friendships and alliances. These covenants often involve mutual commitments and are marked by loyalty and trust.

1. Jonathan and David: The friendship between Jonathan and David is one of the most poignant examples of a covenantal relationship in Scripture. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself, demonstrating loyalty and sacrificial friendship (1 Samuel 18:3, 20:16-17).

2. Jacob and Laban: Although initially fraught with tension, Jacob and Laban entered into a covenant to ensure peace and mutual respect. They set up a stone pillar as a witness to their agreement, highlighting the role of covenants in resolving conflicts and establishing peaceful relations (Genesis 31:44-54).

3. Ruth and Naomi: While not a formal covenant, Ruth's commitment to Naomi reflects the spirit of covenantal friendship. Ruth's declaration, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay," exemplifies the loyalty and devotion inherent in covenantal relationships (Ruth 1:16).

Covenantal Symbols and Practices

Covenants in the Bible are often accompanied by symbols or rituals that serve as reminders of the commitments made. These include:

· Circumcision: As a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant, circumcision was a physical reminder of the relationship between God and His people (Genesis 17:10-11).

· The Sabbath: As part of the Mosaic Covenant, the Sabbath served as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and remembrance (Exodus 31:16-17).

· The Lord's Supper: In the New Covenant, the Lord's Supper is a practice that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice and the new relationship established through His blood (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Covenants in the Bible are thus integral to understanding the nature of relationships, both divine and human. They are designed to establish and nurture friendships, characterized by commitment, loyalty, and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Oration ii.
... brutal and fierce, and introducing and establishing in their ... the types of the truth,
the covenants, the first ... speak thus are more fervent in friendship than in ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... that, in the prophet's view, the difference between the two covenants is that ... Africa,
gave themselves to God's service, and sought the friendship and counsel ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Some may say, "Our own service is public worship." Yes, in a sense, but not such
as to supersede the Church service. We never designed it should! ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm