Meaning of the term Covenant

Meaning of the term Covenant​

It is an agreement between two or more parties by which they exchange and accept obligations to one another. It is a serious or solemn agreement between two persons or groups of people. Other words used are “testament” “pact” or ‘treaty” It brings together two or more parties that have been separate before.
There are two types;

(i) Conditional covenant

It is an agreement/ a covenant between two or more parties which in fact are equal.

(ii) Unconditional covenant

It is a covenant between two unequal parties for example between God and his people.

Examples of well-known covenants in the Bible;

1. Covenant with Noah / Noaic in which God entered into a relationship with the whole world and promised to preserve the life of people (Gen 9) The sign of this covenant is the rainbow.
2. The covenant with Abraham in which God promised to fulfill the promises he made with him.  The sign is circumcision.
3. The covenant with the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai/ Mosaic in which God promised to be their God the Israelites promised obedience (Exodus 24). The sign is the law / the Ten Commandments.
4. The covenant with King David in which God promised him that his dynasty will continue forever. (2 Sam 7:14 – 16)
5. The covenant with Jeremiah in which God promised to make a new covenant with the Israelites where each individual will know God personally. (Jeremiah 31:3 – 34)

​Elements of covenant

• Two or more parties are involved.
• Those involved commit themselves to a binding agreement.
• Involves promises or oaths.
• It usually has some physical sign or symbol.
• It involves a witness or witnesses.
• It is usually sealed.
• A ceremony or a ritual is performed to enforce it.
• It has serious/ negative consequences experienced by those who break it and benefits for those who keep it.

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