In the Beginning… (Studies in Genesis) What is a Covenant? In the Beginning… (Studies in Genesis)

Introduction The Hebrew word berith refers to “covenant” (Thomas: 1285; 136b). Occurring 285 times, it is translated “allied” (1x), “allies” (1x), “covenant” (275x), “covenants” (1x), “El- berith” (1x), “league” (2x), “treaty” (4x) in the NASB. Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew and English Lexicon says that berith refers to “a pact, compact, covenant.”

Agreements Between Men When such agreements are made between men, they are called: treaty, alliance, league; constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects; agreement, pledge; alliance of friendship; alliance of marriage.

Agreements Between God & Man When such agreements are made between God and man, they are called: alliance of friendship; covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges.

God’s Covenant with Noah God made a covenant with Noah, first promising to deliver him from the impending deluge (Gen. 6:17-22), and afterwards, promising to never again destroy the world by means of a universal flood (Gen. 9:8-17).

God’s Covenant with Noah Tragically, the rainbow, a sign of God’s power and mercy (Ezek. 1:28; Rev. 4:2-4), has been brazenly misappropriated by the LGBT movement as a symbol of gay pride. Yet, such brazen behavior will not stand (Prov. 21:29-30; Jer. 8:8-12).

God’s Covenant with Abraham After Abraham dwelt in the land of Canaan, God made a solemn covenant with the patriarch and his descendants (Gen. 15:1-21). Repeating His three-fold promise (involving land, nation and Seed), God provided additional information regarding the intermediate status of Abraham’s descendants, and also the timing and extent of the land promise (vv. 17-21).

God’s Covenant with Abraham When Abram was ninety-nine years old, God repeated this pledge: “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly” (Gen. 17:1-27, esp. v. 1). Revealing Himself as El Shaddai (God Almighty), the Lord changed Abram’s name to Abraham. The “exalted father” would henceforth be called “father of a multitude.” Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah (princess).

God’s Covenant with Israel As previously noted, the Hebrew word berith may refer to an agreement between God and man, i.e., a covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges.

God’s Covenant with Israel At Mount Sinai/Horeb, the Lord God formed such a covenant with the nation of Israel. Solemnized with a covenant sacrifice, this divine constitution given to Israel contained blessings and curses, i.e., promises that were conditioned upon obedience and penalties that would result from disobedience (Exod. 19:1-9; cf. Deut. 27- 28).

God’s Covenant with Israel The conditional nature of God’s covenant impacted the three-fold blessings of land, nation and seed. While possession of the land was promised unconditionally, retention of the land depended upon Israel’s faithfulness and fidelity to God’s pattern.

God’s Covenant of Marriage The relationship of marriage involves both companionship and covenant. Although it often begins in our youth, it should continue throughout life (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:3-6).

God’s Covenant of Marriage When this pattern is ignored, and this covenant is broken, sin and shame follow (Prov. 2:16-19; Mal. 2:13-16).

God’s Covenant Today The prophets foreshadowed a glorious future when God would make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 37:24-28).

God’s Covenant Today This promise was realized through the person, plan and pattern of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:4-6; Heb. 8:6-13).

Conclusion Whenever we see a rainbow in the clouds, may we be reminded of God’s covenant with Noah. May we appreciate the significance of God’s covenant with Abraham involving the three-fold promise of land, nation and Seed.

Conclusion Learning from God’s covenant with Israel, let us appreciate the fact that His blessings are conditioned upon our obedience. As husbands or wives, let us remain true to our companion, recognizing the life-long nature of the relationship, and accepting the responsibilities of the marital covenant as we enjoy its blessings.

Conclusion As sinners in need of salvation, may we heed the call of the gospel. As God’s chosen people, may we remain faithful to the covenant of Christ (Heb. 13:20-21).