In the biblical context, covenants are solemn agreements or promises made between God and humans, or between human parties, that are binding and unchangeable once confirmed. The concept of an unalterable covenant is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting the faithfulness and unchanging nature of God.

Divine Covenants

1. Abrahamic Covenant: The covenant God made with Abraham is a prime example of an unalterable divine promise. In Genesis 15, God establishes His covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is confirmed through a solemn ceremony where God alone passes between the pieces of the sacrificed animals, signifying that He alone is responsible for fulfilling the promise. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 3:15-17, emphasizes the unchangeable nature of this covenant: "Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning One, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to cancel the promise."

2. Davidic Covenant: The covenant with David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, promises that David's throne will be established forever. This covenant is confirmed by God's oath, making it unalterable. Psalm 89:34-37 reflects this assurance: "I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips. Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.”

3. New Covenant: The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is also unalterable. Hebrews 9:15 states, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." This covenant, sealed by the blood of Christ, is eternal and unchangeable, offering forgiveness and a new relationship with God.

Human Covenants

1. Marriage Covenant: In the biblical view, marriage is a covenantal relationship that is intended to be unalterable. Malachi 2:14-16 underscores the seriousness of this covenant: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your partner and the wife of your covenant. Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."

2. Covenants Among People: Covenants made between individuals or groups, such as the covenant between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3), are also seen as binding and unalterable. These covenants are often sealed with oaths or symbolic acts, emphasizing their seriousness and the expectation of faithfulness.

Theological Implications

The unalterable nature of covenants in the Bible highlights the reliability and faithfulness of God. His promises are sure and steadfast, providing a foundation for trust and hope. The concept of an unchangeable covenant also calls believers to a life of faithfulness and integrity, mirroring the covenant-keeping character of God.Galatians 3:15
Brothers, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man cancels, or adds thereto.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... and boasting in our own [2995] unalterable defeat, let ... toward the creature of Thine
hands, hast confirmed Thy mercy ... For in thee the covenants and oaths made of ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the tribes identified with the children of Israel, and the covenants made by ... tusk,
of purple, and of dyed or embroidered stuffs, and were confirmed in the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Perhaps the best plan will be to quote a few passages in chronological order, written
at different periods of his life, to show how unalterable his opinions ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

What is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org

Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org

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