Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "The Covenant Sealed" is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, representing the formalization and ratification of agreements between God and His people. This theme is particularly evident in the Old Testament, where covenants serve as foundational elements of God's relationship with humanity.Old Testament Context 1. The Mosaic Covenant: One of the most prominent examples of a covenant being sealed is found in the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. After delivering the Israelites from Egypt, God established a covenant with them, giving the Law through Moses. This covenant was sealed with a solemn ceremony. In Exodus 24:7-8 , it is recorded: "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, 'All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.' So Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, 'This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.'" 2. The Abrahamic Covenant: Earlier, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants, land, and blessings. This covenant was sealed through a ritual described in Genesis 15. God instructed Abraham to bring specific animals, which were then divided. As a deep sleep fell upon Abraham, God symbolically passed between the pieces, signifying His commitment to the covenant. Genesis 15:17-18 states: "When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'" 3. The Davidic Covenant: Another significant covenant is the one God made with David, promising that his throne would be established forever. This covenant is articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God assures David of an everlasting dynasty. Although the text does not describe a specific sealing ceremony, the covenant is affirmed through God's unchanging promise. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament presents the fulfillment and ultimate sealing of God's covenant through Jesus Christ. The Last Supper is a pivotal moment where Jesus establishes the New Covenant, sealed with His own blood. In Matthew 26:27-28 , Jesus says: "Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is characterized by the internalization of God's law and the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." Theological Significance The sealing of covenants in the Bible underscores the seriousness and binding nature of God's promises. It reflects God's faithfulness and the expectation of obedience and faith from His people. The use of blood in sealing covenants, particularly in the Mosaic and New Covenants, highlights the sacrificial element necessary for atonement and reconciliation with God. Through these covenants, God reveals His redemptive plan, culminating in the work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the earlier covenants, offering eternal life to all who believe. Subtopics Covenant of God With Men: Binding Covenant of God With Men: Broken by the Jews Covenant of God With Men: Confirmed With an Oath Covenant of God With Men: Everlasting Covenant of God With Men: God Faithful To Covenant of God With Men: Punishments for Breaking of Covenant of God With Men: Repudiated by God on Account of Jews' Idolatry Covenant of Man With God: Absalom Covenant of Man With God: Israelites Covenant of Man With God: Jacob Covenant of Man With God: Jehoiada and Joash Covenant of Man With God: Joshua Covenant of Man With God: Josiah Covenant of Man With God: Nehemiah Covenant of Men With Men by a Monument Covenant of Men With Men by Giving Presents Covenant of Men With Men by Giving the Hand Covenant of Men With Men by Making a Feast Covenant of Men With Men by offering a Sacrifice Covenant of Men With Men by Salting Covenant of Men With Men: Breach of, Punished Covenant of Men With Men: Loosing the Shoe Covenant of Men With Men: Written and Sealed Covenant of the Ten Commandments Covenant with David and his House Covenant with Israel, at Horeb Covenant with the Israelites to Deliver Them from Egypt Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenant: Binding, not Only on Those Who Make Them, But on Those Who are Represented Covenant: Jews With Each Other, to Serve God Covenant: King Zedekiah and his Subjects Covenant: Subjects With Sovereign Covenant: The Mosaic Law Called a Covenant The Covenant is a Covenant of Peace The Covenant: All Saints Interested In The Covenant: Blessings Connected With The Covenant: Caution Against Forgetting The Covenant: Christ, the Mediator of The Covenant: Christ, the Messenger of The Covenant: Christ, the Substance of The Covenant: Confirmed in Christ The Covenant: Fulfilled in Christ The Covenant: God is Ever Mindful of The Covenant: God is Faithful To The Covenant: Made With: Abraham The Covenant: Made With: David The Covenant: Made With: Isaac The Covenant: Made With: Israel The Covenant: Made With: Jacob The Covenant: Plead, in Prayer The Covenant: Punishment for Despising The Covenant: Ratified by the Blood of Christ The Covenant: Renewed Under the Gospel The Covenant: The Wicked Have No Interest In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |