Gen 9:8-17 covenant with Noah and with all of creation to never flood the earth again
CUTTING THE COVENANT
There are three reasons for men cutting the covenant with each other. If a strong tribe lives by the side of a weaker tribe, and there is danger of the weaker tribe being destroyed, the weaker tribe will seek to “cut the Covenant” with the stronger tribe that they may be preserved. Second, two business men entering into a partnership might cut the Covenant to insure that neither would take advantage of the other. Third, if two men loved each other as devotedly as David and Jonathan, or as Damon and Pythias, they would cut the Covenant for that love’s sake.
THE METHOD OF CUTTING THE COVENANT The method of cutting the covenant is practically the same the world over; although there are differences of course. In some places it has degenerated into a very grotesque, almost a horrible rite, but nevertheless it is the same blood covenant.
That which is practiced by the native tribes of Africa, by the Arabs, by the Syrians, and by the Balkans is this: Two men wish to cut the covenant; they come together with their friends and a priest. First, they exchange gifts. By this exchange of gifts they indicate that all that one has the other owns if necessary. After the exchange of gifts, they bring a cup of wine, the priest makes an incision in the arm of one man and the blood drips into the wine. An incision is made in the other man’s arm and his blood drips into the same cup. Then the wine is stirred and the bloods are mixed. Then the cup is handed to one man and he drinks part of it, then hands it to the other man and he drinks the rest of it. When they have drunk it, ofttimes they will put their wrists together so that their bloods mingle, or they will touch their tongues to each other’s wounds. Now, they have become blood brothers.
THE SACREDNESS OF THE BLOOD COVENANT
Mr. Stanley said he never knew this covenant to be broken in Africa, no matter what the provocation. Dr. Livingstone also bears witness saying that he never knew it to be broken. In other parts of the world it is claimed that they never knew the Blood Covenant to be broken. It is one covenant that is perfectly sacred among all primitive peoples. In Africa, if one was to break the covenant, his own mother or wife, or his nearest relatives would seek his death, would turn him over to the hands of the avenger for destruction. No man can live in Africa who breaks the covenant . . . he curses the very ground he walks on. The vilest enemies become trusted friends as soon as the covenant is cut. No man takes advantage of the covenant or breaks it. It is so sacred that the children to the third and fourth generations revere it and keep it. In other words, it is a perpetual covenant, indissoluble, a covenant that cannot be annulled.
Old covenant blessings and curse
New covenant has no curse
Ew Kenyon
Covenant with Abraham, immediately tests the covenant with Isaac
Joseph was heir to the covenant and knew it, but had to go through many trials until he saw the promise of the covenant
Old covenant vs new covenant
Jer 31:31
Hebrews 8:6-13 new covenant
John 15:1-8 vine and branches
Heb 9:11
1. The Noahic Covenant
Scripture: Genesis 9:8–17
Parties: God and Noah (and all living creatures)
Sign: Rainbow
Summary:
After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth by flood. He established a general preservation of life and a moral order for all humanity.
“I have set my bow in the cloud… the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” (Genesis 9:13–15)
2. The Abrahamic Covenant
Scripture: Genesis 12:1–3; 15; 17
Parties: God and Abraham (and his descendants)
Sign: Circumcision
Summary:
God promised Abraham three main things:
- Land (Canaan)
- Seed (many descendants—a great nation)
- Blessing (to him and through him to all nations)
“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)
3.The Mosaic Covenant (Sinai Covenant)
Scripture: Exodus 19–24; Deuteronomy 5
Parties: God and Israel
Sign: The Law (especially the Ten Commandments)
Summary:
At Mount Sinai, God gave the Law to Moses for Israel. It was conditional: blessing for obedience, curses for disobedience (see Deut. 28). It was meant to set Israel apart as a holy nation and reveal God’s standards.
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession…” (Exodus 19:5)
4. The Davidic Covenant
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:8–17; Psalm 89
Parties: God and David (and his royal lineage)
Summary:
God promised David an eternal kingdom. One of his descendants would reign forever. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.
“Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)
5. The New Covenant
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8–10
Parties: God and all who believe in Jesus Christ
Sign: The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Summary:
This covenant was foretold by the prophets and established by Jesus at the Last Supper. It brings:
- Forgiveness of sins
- A new heart and spirit
- Direct relationship with God
- The indwelling Holy Spirit
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20)
“I will put my law within them… I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)
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