Covenant @ a contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word _berith_ is always thus translated. _Berith_ is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant Genesis:15; Jeremiah:34:18-19). The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is _diatheke_, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word _berith_ of the Old Testament, "covenant." This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man Genesis:21:32), or between tribes or nations ( 1Samuel:11:1; Joshua:9:6Joshua:9:15). In entering into a convenant, Jehovah was solemnly called on to witness the transaction Genesis:31:50), and hence it was called a "covenant of the Lord" ( 1Samuel:20:8). The marriage compact is called "the covenant of God" Proverbs:2:17), because the marriage was made in God's name. Wicked men are spoken of as acting as if they had made a "covenant with death" not to destroy them, or with hell not to devour them Isaiah:28:15Isaiah:28:18). (2.) The word is used with reference to God's revelation of himself in the way of promise or of favour to men. Thus God's promise to Noah after the Flood is called a covenant Genesis:9; Jeremiah:33:20, "my covenant"). We have an account of God's covernant with Abraham Genesis:17, comp. Leviticus:26:42), of the covenant of the priesthood Numbers:25:12-13; Deuteronomy:33:9; Nehemiah:13:29), and of the covenant of Sinai Exodus:34:27-28; Leviticus:26:15), which was afterwards renewed at different times in the history of Israel Deuteronomy:29; Joshua:1:24; 2Chronicals:15; 23; 29; 34; Ezra:10; Nehemiah:9). In conformity with human custom, God's covenant is said to be confirmed with an oath Deuteronomy:4:31; Psalms:89:3), and to be accompanied by a sign Genesis:9; 17). Hence the covenant is called God's "counsel," "oath," "promise" Psalms:89:3-4Psalms:105:8-11; Hebrews:6:13-20; Luke:1:68-75). God's covenant consists wholly in the bestowal of blessing Isaiah:59:21; Jeremiah:31:33-34). The term covenant is also used to designate the regular succession of day and night Jeremiah:33:20), the Sabbath Exodus:31:16), circumcision Genesis:17:9-10), and in general any ordinance of God Jeremiah:34:13-14). A "covenant of salt" signifies an everlasting covenant, in the sealing or ratifying of which salt, as an emblem of perpetuity, is used Numbers:18:19; Leviticus:2:13; 2Chronicals:13:5). COVENANT OF WORKS, the constitution under which Adam was placed at his creation. In this covenant, (1.) The contracting parties were (a) God the moral Governor, and (b) Adam, a free moral agent, and representative of all his natural posterity Romans:5:12-19). (2.) The promise was "life" Matthew:19:16-17; Galatians:3:12). (3.) The condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being abstaining from eating the fruit of the "tree of knowledge," etc. (4.) The penalty was death Genesis:2:16-17). This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because "life" was the promise attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect obedience to the law. The "tree of life" was the outward sign and seal of that life which was promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that covenant. This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ and accepted his righteousness. CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety John:17:4-6, 9; Isaiah:42:6; Psalms:89:3). The conditions of this covenant were, (1.) On the part of the Father (a) all needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work Hebrews:10:5; Isaiah:42:1-7); (b) support in the work Luke:22:43); and (c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done Philippians:2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion John:5:22; Psalms:110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his hands Matthew:28:18; John:1:12John:17:2; Acts:2:33), and in the final salvation of all his people Isaiah:35:10Isaiah:53:10-11; Jeremiah:31:33; Titus:1:2). (2.) On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming incarnate Galatians:4:4-5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law Psalms:40:8; Isaiah:42:21; John:9:4-5), and (d) suffering its penalty Isaiah:53; 2Corinthians:5:21; Galatians:3:13), in their stead. Christ, the mediator of, fulfils all its conditions in behalf of his people, and dispenses to them all its blessings. In Hebrews:8:6Hebrews:9:15Hebrews:12:24 , this title is given to Christ. (See DISPENSATION.)
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