What is a Covenant? As you become more knowledgeable in God’s Word, you will discover that certain subjects are popular discussion topics. One of the topics that has produced much discussion is the Covenant. However, before we dive into this word, let’s begin with the definition of Covenant:

Covenant: An agreement

According to Oxford’s Dictionary, a covenant is simply an agreement. Using this simple definition, we can determine that many covenants are made even at this present time.

For example, marriage is a covenant. It is an agreement between two parties that they will come together as one and remain faithful to each other for the rest of their lives. Another example of a covenant is something as common as a loan. The company providing the loan agrees to lend the money, and the borrower agrees to pay back the money. In essence, they have a covenant.

Does the Bible mention a Covenant?

Covenant is also found in the Bible. In the original language, the word for covenant in the Old Testament is berit, which means— A compact, confederacy, or league. Although covenant is used in Scripture for various situations, when most believers talk about the covenant, it is often the covenant that was formed between God and Israel. However, we must remember that there was a covenant formed between God and Abraham. This is often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant.

What is the Abrahamic Covenant?

God told Abraham, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him.” Genesis 12:1-4

“I am the Almighty God. Walk before me, and be thou perfect, and I will make a covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2

“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.” Genesis 17:7

“And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:18

According to the Bible, this covenant was a promise of commitment. It was a promise of land, blessings, and prosperity for Abraham and his descendants. However, in our next study, we will see that another covenant was given to Abrahams’s descendants and we will find out why it was given.