Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

a. Between nations, Josh. 9.6; Josh. 9.15

b. Between cities, 1 Sam. 11.1

c. Between individuals, Gen. 21.27

3. Covenants made involved both obligations to fulfill and benefits and advantages as a result of the fulfillment of the conditions .

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4. Nature of covenant making

a. God was invoked as a witness, Gen. 31.52-53, see also 1 Sam. 20.8; Jer. 34.18-19; Ezek. 17.19.

b. Breach of a contract was viewed as a serious moral evil, even a sin, Ezek.17.12-20; cf. Ezek. 17.16.

c. Covenants were given witness by the giving of gifts or setting up stones as a remembrance, with a meal or grains of salt (cf. Gen. 26.30; 31; 54; 2 Sam. 3.12, 20).

(1) Gen. 21.30-31

(2) Gen. 31.52

5. Marriage in the Bible was a common covenant made, Prov. 2.17.

6. Covenants were confirmed with an oath (Gen. 26.28; 31.53; Josh. 9.15, etc.) and the slaughtering and cutting of a victim into halves, with the parties passing between them (Gen. 15.9-10, 17-18; Jer. 34.18-20).