Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, covenants are solemn agreements or promises made between God and His people, often involving commitments and obligations on both sides. These covenants are central to the unfolding account of redemption and are foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Throughout Scripture, God frequently calls upon Himself as a witness to these covenants, underscoring their divine authority and eternal significance.The Nature of Covenants Covenants in the Bible are more than mere contracts; they are sacred bonds that establish a relationship between God and His people. They are characterized by divine promises, stipulations, and signs. The Hebrew word for covenant, "berith," implies a binding agreement, often ratified by a solemn ceremony or sacrifice. God as Witness God's role as a witness to covenants is a recurring theme in Scripture. By calling upon Himself as a witness, God emphasizes the seriousness and unbreakable nature of these agreements. This divine witness assures the parties involved of the covenant's validity and the certainty of its fulfillment. Key Biblical Covenants 1. The Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The rainbow serves as the sign of this covenant. In Genesis 9:12-13 , God declares, "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's covenant with Abraham includes promises of land, descendants, and blessing. In Genesis 15:17-18 , God Himself passes between the pieces of the sacrifice, symbolizing His commitment: "When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 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.'" 3. The Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God established a covenant with the Israelites, giving them the Law and setting them apart as His chosen people. In Exodus 24:7-8 , Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, and they 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.'" 4. The Davidic Covenant: God promises David that his throne will be established forever. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16 , God declares, "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." 5. The New Covenant: Prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a transformed heart. In Luke 22:20 , during the Last Supper, Jesus says, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." God's Faithfulness Throughout the Bible, God remains faithful to His covenants, even when humanity fails to uphold their part. His role as a witness ensures that His promises are trustworthy and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. The covenants reveal God's unchanging character, His desire for a relationship with His people, and His ultimate plan for redemption through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:50,53If you shall afflict my daughters, or if you shall take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness between me and you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ... The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston. The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Pentecost Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ... De Decretis or Defence of the Nicene Definition Effectual Calling Analysis of the Westminster Confession. 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 |
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