A Word about Covenants

A covenant is a contract or agreement. The word "contract" implies an equal partnership, but this is not the case with God's covenants with man. Interactions between God and man are by nature unequal (see yesterday's post about the Creator-creature distinction).

Greater understanding of covenants in the Bible comes with knowledge about the nature of covenants in the ancient Near East. These covenants were typically composed of several parts: A preamble, in which the suzerain or overlord is identified and authority established; an historical prologue, a rehersal of the relationship between the suzerain and his vassals or subjects, often composed of a list of things the former has done for the latter; promises and stipulations, the heart of the contract in which are spelled out the things which are to be done; sanctions, a list of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience; and an oath or vow that established the covenant. These covenants were characteristically ratified by some sort of cutting rite, graphically illustrating the seriousness of the vow undertaken. Finally, duplicate copies of the covenant were made for the suzerain and the vassals. Biblical examples of covenants can be seen in Genesis 15 and Exodus 20.

When a covenant vow is made, the one vowing usually swears by someone or something higher than himself. There is, however, nothing higher than God. He is bound by nothing except his own holy word. But given the unimpeachable character of God we may completely trust him to keep his part of the bargain.

Tomorrow: The covenant of works.