Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, salt is often used as a symbol of preservation, purity, and enduring commitment. This symbolism is particularly evident in the concept of "covenants of salt," which signifies the perpetual and unbreakable nature of certain divine covenants.Biblical References The notion of a "covenant of salt" is explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament, underscoring the enduring nature of God's promises and relationships with His people. In Numbers 18:19 , God declares to Aaron and his descendants, "All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent portion. It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD for you and your offspring." Here, the covenant of salt signifies the perpetual priestly covenant granted to Aaron and his lineage, emphasizing its unbreakable and eternal nature. Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 13:5 , the covenant of salt is referenced in the context of the Davidic covenant: "Do you not know that the LORD, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt?" This passage highlights the enduring promise of God to maintain the Davidic line, underscoring the eternal nature of His covenant with David. Symbolism and Significance Salt, in the ancient Near Eastern culture, was a valuable commodity, essential for preserving food and maintaining life. Its use in covenants symbolized the lasting and incorruptible nature of agreements. The inclusion of salt in sacrifices, as prescribed in Leviticus 2:13 , "You are to season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not omit from your grain offering the salt of the covenant of your God; you are to add salt to each of your offerings," further illustrates its role in symbolizing the enduring and purifying aspects of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The use of salt in these covenants serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the eternal nature of His promises. It signifies that just as salt preserves and maintains, so too does God's covenant endure through time, unaltered and unbroken. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the covenant of salt underscores the reliability and steadfastness of God's word. It assures believers of the unchanging nature of God's promises and His unwavering commitment to His people. This concept is foundational to understanding the nature of divine covenants in the Bible, which are not subject to the fluctuations of human circumstances but are anchored in the eternal and immutable character of God. In the New Testament, while the specific term "covenant of salt" is not used, the principles of preservation and enduring commitment are echoed in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 5:13 , Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth," implying that they are to embody the preserving and purifying qualities of salt in the world, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenantal relationship with humanity through Christ. Overall, the concept of a covenant of salt serves as a profound testament to the perpetual and faithful nature of God's promises, offering assurance and hope to believers throughout the ages. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 18:19All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to the LORD, have I given you, and your sons and your daughters with you, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD to you and to your seed with you. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 13:5 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | 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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