Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, covenants are solemn agreements or promises between God and His people, often marked by significant rituals and celebrations. These covenants are foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity, as they establish divine promises and human responsibilities. A recurring theme in the Bible is the celebration of covenants with a feast, symbolizing joy, fellowship, and the sealing of the agreement.Old Testament Covenants and Feasts 1. The Covenant with Abraham: In Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. Although a specific feast is not mentioned immediately following this covenant, the broader narrative of Abraham's life includes significant meals that underscore God's promises, such as the feast prepared for the three visitors in Genesis 18, which foreshadows the birth of Isaac. 2. The Mosaic Covenant: The covenant at Mount Sinai is one of the most significant in the Old Testament. After God gives the Ten Commandments and other laws, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascend the mountain. There, they see God and partake in a meal in His presence: "And they beheld God, and they ate and drank" (Exodus 24:11). This feast signifies the ratification of the covenant and the communal relationship between God and Israel. 3. The Covenant Renewal under Joshua: In Joshua 24, Joshua renews the covenant at Shechem. While the text does not explicitly mention a feast, the gathering of the tribes and the communal nature of the event suggest a celebratory atmosphere, consistent with covenant renewals in the ancient Near East. New Testament Covenants and Feasts 1. The Last Supper: The New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ, is inaugurated during the Last Supper, a Passover meal shared with His disciples. Jesus reinterprets the elements of the meal, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). This meal not only commemorates the deliverance from Egypt but also anticipates the ultimate deliverance through Christ's sacrifice. 2. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb: In Revelation 19, the culmination of God's covenantal promises is depicted as a grand feast: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready" (Revelation 19:7). This eschatological banquet symbolizes the final and eternal union between Christ and His Church, fulfilling all covenantal promises. Theological Significance Feasts following covenants in the Bible serve multiple purposes. They are acts of worship, expressions of gratitude, and communal affirmations of the covenant. These celebrations reinforce the communal and relational aspects of God's covenants, emphasizing that they are not merely legal agreements but living relationships characterized by fellowship and joy. The feasts also serve as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and the hope of future fulfillment, pointing ultimately to the eternal celebration in God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:30And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:54 Library The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston. Chapter xxi The Ass and the Colt are the Old and the New Testament. Spiritual ... Chapter xxvi Index of Subjects. The Book of Jubilees Nature of Covenanting. Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. 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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