Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, covenants are solemn agreements or promises made between God and His people, often accompanied by specific signs or symbols. Among the various covenants mentioned in Scripture, those involving the natural world—specifically stones and beasts—highlight God's comprehensive plan for peace and harmony within His creation.Covenants with Stones Stones in biblical covenants often serve as witnesses or memorials to the promises made. In Joshua 24:27, Joshua uses a stone as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel, saying, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us. So it shall be a witness against you, lest you deny your God." Here, the stone symbolizes the enduring nature of the covenant and the accountability it entails. Covenants with Beasts The inclusion of animals in covenants underscores the breadth of God's concern for all creation. In Hosea 2:18, God promises a covenant of peace that extends to the animals: "On that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that crawl on the ground. I will abolish the bow and the sword and warfare from the land, so that all may lie down in safety." This passage reflects God's intention to restore harmony not only among humans but throughout the entire created order. Peace as a Central Theme The concept of peace is central to these covenants, reflecting God's ultimate desire for shalom—a state of wholeness and well-being. In Isaiah 11:6-9, the prophetic vision of peace includes a harmonious relationship between humans and animals: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them." This imagery points to a future where the natural enmity between creatures is transformed into peaceful coexistence. Theological Implications From a theological standpoint, these covenants with stones and beasts emphasize God's sovereignty over creation and His commitment to its redemption. They remind believers of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility to steward the earth in a way that reflects God's peaceable kingdom. The covenants also foreshadow the ultimate reconciliation of all things through Christ, as described in Colossians 1:20: "and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross." In conclusion, the covenants involving stones and beasts serve as powerful reminders of God's comprehensive plan for peace. They call believers to live in harmony with creation, anticipating the day when God's peace will fully reign over all the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 5:23For you shall be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 2:18 Library Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Ark of his Covenant The Life of Mr. James Renwick. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Matt. v. 17 Index of Subjects. Introduction to Oration ii. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ... Memoir of John Bunyan part ii Resources What are the covenants in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Doctrine and Covenants in Mormonism? | GotQuestions.org What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenants of God's Promises to Man Covenants of the Contract of Marriage Covenants of the United Determination of a People to Serve God Covenants: (With Death and Hell) Carnal Security Covenants: (With Stones and Beasts, of the Earth) Peace Covenants: Agreements Between Two Parties Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Conditions of Witnessed Covenants: Conditions of Written and Sealed Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: Designed For: Procuring Assistance in War Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Covenants: Designed For: Selling Land Covenants: Followed by a Feast Covenants: God often Called to Witness Covenants: Made by Passing Between the Pieces of the Divided Sacrifices Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands Covenants: Salt a Sign of Perpetuity In Covenants: The Jews: Condemned for Making, With Idolatrous Nations Covenants: The Jews: Forbidden to Make, With the Nations of Canaan Covenants: The Jews: Frequently Made With Other Nations Covenants: The Jews: Regarded, As Sacred Covenants: Violated by the Wicked Covenants: when Confirmed, Unalterable Related Terms |
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