Types of Covenants

A covenant is a mutual agreement between 2 or more persons to do or refrain from doing certain acts. Sometimes, this is the undertaking of one of the parties. In the Bible, God is regarded as the witness of this pact (Gen. 31:50, 1Sam. 20:8).

In the Old Testament, there are three different types of covenant:

  1. A two-sided covenant between human parties, both of whom voluntarily accept the terms of the agreement (1Sam. 18:3,4; Mal. 2:14; Obad. 7).
  2. A one-sided disposition imposed by a superior party (Ezek. 17:13,14). In this, God "commands" a covenant which man, the servant, is to obey (Josh. 23:16).
  3. God's self-imposed obligation, for the reconciliation of sinners to Himself (Deut. 7:6-8; Ps. 89:3,4).
God made several such covenants in the Bible:

  • Edenic, God's promise of redemption (Gen. 3:15).
  • Noachian, for the preservation of the race (Gen. 9:9).
  • Abrahamic, granting blessings through Abram's family (Gen. 15:18).
  • Mosaic, designating Israel as God's chosen people (Exod. 19:5,6).
  • Levitical, making reconciliation through priestly atonement (Num. 25:12,13).
  • Davidic, Messianic salvation promised through David's dynasty (2Sam. 23:5).
The prophets foretold a New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) which would center in a person (Isa. 42:6; 49:8). In the New Covenant, the Covenant of Grace, man is placed in right relationship to God through Christ (Heb. 7:22; 8:6-13; 2Cor. 3:6-18).

The Suzerain-Vassal Treaty at Sinai

The first obvious symbol of kingship is the suzerain-vassal treaty. Scholars have observed that the covenant given at Mt. Sinai bears a close resemblance to ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties. In such a covenant lesser kings (vassals) made peace with the great king of the region (suzerain). The vassal swore allegiance to the suzerain and offered tribute, while the suzerain -- literally, the "king of kings" -- swore protection if the vassal were attacked. These treaties typically included elements that seem to appear in Deuteronomy: (1) preamble (1:1-5), historical prologue (1:6-4:40), general stipulations (5:1-11:32), specific stipulations (12:1-26:15), blessings and curses (27:1-28:68), and witnesses (30:19; 31:19; 32:1-43)4 As a great king, a suzerain, Yahweh covenants with Israel to be their King and Protector. Yahweh is the high King, the great King, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.