Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, covenants were solemn agreements or promises between two parties, often accompanied by a physical token or gift to signify the commitment and seriousness of the agreement. These tokens served as tangible reminders of the covenant and were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East.Biblical Examples of Covenants with Tokens 1. Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 21:27-32, Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, entered into a covenant concerning a well of water. To solidify this agreement, Abraham gave Abimelech sheep and cattle. The exchange of these animals served as a token of the covenant, ensuring peace and mutual respect between the two parties. The Berean Standard Bible states, "So Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant" (Genesis 21:27). 2. Jacob and Laban: In Genesis 31:44-54, Jacob and his father-in-law Laban made a covenant to ensure peace between them after years of tension. As a token of this covenant, they set up a heap of stones, which they called Galeed and Mizpah, to serve as a witness between them. The BSB records, "So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar, and he said to his relatives, 'Gather some stones.' So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate" (Genesis 31:45-46). 3. David and Jonathan: The friendship between David and Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is marked by a covenant of loyalty and love. In 1 Samuel 18:3-4, Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as tokens of their covenant. These gifts symbolized Jonathan's commitment to David and his recognition of David's future as king. The BSB states, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt" (1 Samuel 18:3-4). Theological Significance The giving of presents as tokens in covenant-making reflects the seriousness and binding nature of these agreements. In the biblical context, covenants were not merely legal contracts but sacred commitments often made before God. The tokens served as physical reminders of the promises made and the responsibilities each party had to uphold. In the broader biblical narrative, these tokens also point to the ultimate covenant between God and humanity. The New Covenant, established through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is marked by the token of the Lord's Supper, where believers partake of bread and wine as symbols of Christ's body and blood. This practice serves as a continual reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the themes of redemption, grace, and eternal commitment. Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, covenants were common in both personal and political relationships. The exchange of gifts or tokens was a customary practice to seal agreements, ensuring that both parties had a vested interest in maintaining the terms of the covenant. These tokens were often valuable or symbolic, representing the sincerity and gravity of the promises made. The biblical accounts of covenants with tokens highlight the importance of trust, loyalty, and faithfulness in relationships, both human and divine. They underscore the belief that covenants are not to be taken lightly, as they involve a deep commitment that extends beyond mere words to actions and tangible expressions of fidelity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:27-30And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 18:3,4 Library Chapter ix Covenanting Confers Obligation. Chapter xv Chapter xxvi Centenary Commemoration Memoir of John Bunyan An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Paul's Departure and Crown; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Pilgrim's Progress Resources How should Christians view the Book of Mormon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Edenic covenant? | GotQuestions.org Should the Old Testament instead be called the First Testament? | 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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