The concept of covenant is central to understanding the biblical narrative, serving as a foundational theme that threads its way through the entire canon of Scripture. A covenant, in biblical terms, is a solemn agreement or promise between two parties, often involving commitments and obligations. While the most significant covenants in the Bible are those made between God and humanity, the question arises: Can vows or covenants be made with entities other than God?
To answer this question, it is essential to explore the nature of covenants in the Bible, the different types of covenants that exist, and specific examples of covenants made with entities other than God.
The Nature of Covenants in the Bible
In the Bible, a covenant is more than just a contract; it is a binding and sacred agreement that often involves a deep relational component. The Hebrew word for covenant, "berit," conveys the idea of a binding promise or agreement. Covenants in the Bible typically include elements such as promises, stipulations, blessings, curses, and signs or symbols that serve as reminders of the covenant.
The most prominent covenants in the biblical narrative are those between God and humanity, such as the Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17), the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21), the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24), the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16), and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20). These covenants reveal God's redemptive plan and His desire to be in a relationship with His people.
Human-to-Human Covenants in the Bible
While divine-human covenants are central to the biblical story, the Bible also contains examples of human-to-human covenants. These covenants, though not as theologically significant as those made with God, are still considered binding and sacred agreements. Examples of human-to-human covenants include:
-
Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 21:22-32, Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, make a covenant at Beersheba. This covenant involves mutual promises and the exchange of seven ewe lambs as a witness. The purpose of this covenant is to establish peaceful relations and resolve a dispute over a well.
-
Covenant Between Jacob and Laban: In Genesis 31:44-54, Jacob and his father-in-law Laban make a covenant to ensure peaceful relations after Jacob leaves Laban's household. They set up a heap of stones as a witness to their agreement, and both parties swear by the God of their fathers.
-
Covenant Between Jonathan and David: In 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:12-17, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king of Israel, make a covenant of friendship and loyalty. Jonathan gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a sign of their covenant. This covenant is characterized by deep personal commitment and mutual support.
These examples demonstrate that covenants between humans are recognized and honored in the biblical narrative. They involve solemn promises and often include signs or symbols to mark the agreement.
Vows in the Bible
In addition to covenants, the Bible also speaks of vows, which are solemn promises or commitments made by an individual. Vows can be made to God or to other people, and they are considered binding. The Hebrew word for vow, "neder," emphasizes the seriousness of the promise.
-
Vows Made to God: In the Old Testament, vows made to God are taken very seriously. For example, in Numbers 30:2, it is stated, "If a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, we read, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it."
-
Vows Made to Other People: The Bible also contains examples of vows made to other people. For instance, in 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah makes a vow to God that if He gives her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service. However, she also communicates this vow to Eli the priest, making it known to another person. In another example, Jephthah makes a vow to God in Judges 11:30-31, but the fulfillment of this vow involves his daughter, illustrating the impact of vows on human relationships.
Covenants with Entities Other Than God
Given the biblical examples of human-to-human covenants and vows, it is evident that covenants can indeed be made with entities other than God. These covenants and vows are recognized as binding and carry significant weight. However, it is essential to consider the context and nature of these agreements.
-
Covenants with Nations: The Bible records instances where covenants are made between nations or groups of people. For example, in Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceive the Israelites into making a covenant of peace with them. Despite the deception, the Israelites honor the covenant because they have sworn an oath before the Lord (Joshua 9:18-20). This demonstrates the seriousness with which covenants are regarded, even when made with other nations.
-
Covenants with Individuals: As seen in the examples of Abraham and Abimelech, Jacob and Laban, and Jonathan and David, covenants between individuals are also considered binding. These covenants often involve promises of loyalty, peace, and mutual support.
-
Covenants with Groups: In Nehemiah 9:38-10:39, the people of Israel make a covenant with God, but it is a collective agreement involving the entire community. This covenant includes commitments to follow God's law and separate themselves from foreign influences. While the primary covenant is with God, it is made collectively by the people, illustrating the communal aspect of covenants.
Theological Implications
The recognition of covenants and vows made with entities other than God has several theological implications. First, it underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in human relationships. Just as covenants with God require faithfulness, so do covenants and vows made with other people. Breaking a covenant or vow is seen as a serious offense, reflecting a lack of integrity and trustworthiness.
Second, the concept of covenant highlights the relational nature of God's dealings with humanity. By including examples of human-to-human covenants, the Bible emphasizes that relationships between people are also sacred and should be treated with honor and respect. This reflects the broader biblical theme of loving one's neighbor and living in right relationship with others.
Finally, the seriousness with which covenants and vows are regarded in the Bible serves as a reminder of the weight of our words and commitments. Whether made to God or to other people, our promises should be kept, and our integrity should be maintained. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:33-37, where He emphasizes the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in making commitments: "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil" (Matthew 5:37, ESV).
Conclusion
In summary, while the most significant covenants in the Bible are those made between God and humanity, the biblical narrative also recognizes and honors covenants and vows made with entities other than God. These covenants, whether between individuals, nations, or groups, are considered binding and carry significant weight. They underscore the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and the sacredness of human relationships. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor our commitments, whether made to God or to others, reflecting the character of a covenant-keeping God in our own lives.
