1: Covenant (Berith) in Ancient Near Eastern Context

1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant)

Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty between parties, especially between God and Israel.

2. Historical-Cultural Context:

  • Covenants were common diplomatic and legal practices in the Ancient Near East, involving suzerains and vassals.
  • Typically included oath-taking, stipulations, blessings, curses, and ratification ceremonies.
  • The biblical covenant shares these elements but is unique as a divine-human relationship.

3. Biblical Examples and Notes:

  • Genesis 15: God’s covenant with Abraham involves a binding ceremony with sacrifices, echoing ANE treaty practices.
  • Exodus 24: Sinai covenant ratified with blood, tablets, and communal assent.

4. Cultural Significance:

  • Covenant signified not just contract but a sacred, life-altering relationship.
  • Underpinned Israel’s identity and legal/religious obligations.
  • Concept of loyalty, faithfulness (chesed), and divine justice (mishpat) are linked to covenantal faithfulness.
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