The term "Sign of the Covenant" refers to a physical or symbolic act instituted by God as a visible reminder of His promises and agreements with humanity. Throughout the Bible, several covenants are established between God and His people, each accompanied by a specific sign to signify the divine commitment and human responsibility involved.

1. The Noahic Covenant:

The first explicit mention of a covenant sign in the Bible is found in the account of Noah. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by floodwaters again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow. Genesis 9:12-13 states, "And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'"

2. The Abrahamic Covenant:

The covenant with Abraham is marked by the sign of circumcision. This covenant promised Abraham numerous descendants, land, and blessings. In Genesis 17:10-11 , God commands, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." Circumcision served as a physical mark of belonging to God's chosen people and a commitment to follow His ways.

3. The Mosaic Covenant:

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, is characterized by the giving of the Law, including the Ten Commandments. While the Law itself is not a physical sign, the Sabbath is often considered a sign of this covenant. In Exodus 31:16-17 , it is written, "The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."

4. The Davidic Covenant:

The Davidic Covenant, promising an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage, does not have a specific physical sign like the previous covenants. However, the enduring throne of David and the anticipation of the Messiah are seen as the fulfillment and sign of this covenant. In 2 Samuel 7:16 , God declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."

5. The New Covenant:

The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, is marked by the sign of the Lord's Supper. Jesus, during the Last Supper, instituted this sign as a remembrance of His sacrifice. In Luke 22:19-20 , Jesus says, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

Each sign of the covenant serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the responsibilities of His people. These signs are integral to understanding the unfolding narrative of redemption and the relationship between God and humanity throughout the Scriptures.