Topical Bible: Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace

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In the biblical narrative, covenants are divine agreements that serve as foundational elements for establishing peace between God and humanity, as well as among individuals and nations. These covenants are central to understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

The Nature of Covenants

Covenants in the Bible are solemn agreements that often include promises, conditions, and signs. They are initiated by God and reflect His desire to bring order, harmony, and peace to a fallen world. The Hebrew word for covenant, "berit," implies a binding agreement, often sealed with a ritual or sacrifice, signifying the seriousness and sacredness of the commitment.

Covenants with Humanity

1. The Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, symbolizing God's mercy and the establishment of peace with creation (Genesis 9:11-13).

2. The Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham included promises of land, descendants, and blessings. This covenant was designed to bring peace and blessing to all nations through Abraham's offspring (Genesis 12:2-3). The sign of this covenant was circumcision, marking the people set apart for God's purposes.

3. The Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God gave the Law to Israel, establishing a covenant that would guide them in righteousness and peace. The Law was intended to set Israel apart as a holy nation, living in peace with God and each other (Exodus 19:5-6).

4. The Davidic Covenant: God promised David that his throne would be established forever, pointing to a future king who would bring ultimate peace. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who reigns eternally (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

5. The New Covenant: Prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled in Christ, the New Covenant offers peace with God through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection inaugurated this covenant, bringing reconciliation and peace to all who believe (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20).

Covenants Among Individuals and Nations

Covenants were also used to establish peace between individuals and nations. For example, the covenant between Jacob and Laban set terms for peaceful relations (Genesis 31:44-54). Similarly, the covenant between David and Jonathan exemplified a bond of peace and loyalty (1 Samuel 18:3).

Theological Significance

Covenants are not merely historical agreements but are deeply theological, revealing God's character and His desire for peace. They demonstrate God's faithfulness, justice, and mercy, providing a framework for understanding His interactions with humanity. Through covenants, God establishes a relationship with His people, offering peace and calling them to live in harmony with His will.

Conclusion

Covenants in the Bible are divine instruments designed to establish peace, reflecting God's redemptive purposes and His desire for a reconciled relationship with humanity. They are central to the biblical narrative, pointing ultimately to the peace found in Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 9:15,16
And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxvi
... The customary thing in making covenants, apparently, was ... have welcomed the opportunity
for establishing that name ... other to secure the blessing designed for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... them the particular doctrines they are designed to teach ... be affirmed of the ratifying
of covenants by killing ... final effect of judgment in establishing the reign ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... brutal and fierce, and introducing and establishing in their ... the types of the truth,
the covenants, the first ... of God, a covenant of life and peace, with the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... than to the intermediate event which God designed as only ... of the increase of whose
government and peace there should ... and the glory, and the covenants, and the ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.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

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... 34, showing that, in the prophet's view, the difference between the two covenants
is that ... described him as one "who is in the bond of catholic peace a brother ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm